Briggs, Henry (1561–1630)

English mathematician who introduced common logarithms (base 10) and was largely responsible for getting scientists to use them in preference to Napier's original natural (base e) logs, arguing that they were more practical. He subsequently calculated and published the appropriate tables (1617). Although a well-regarded mathematician in his own right, holding the Savilian Chair of Geometry at Oxford, Briggs was most important as a contact and as a public relations man for his field.

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• MATHEMATICIANS

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