William Wallace (mathematician)

William Wallace FRSE MInstCE FRAS LLD (23 September 1768 – 28 April 1843) was a Scottish mathematician and astronomer who invented the eidograph (an improved pantograph).

[2] In 1790 he appears as "William Wallace, bookbinder" living and trading at Cowgatehead, at the east end of the Grassmarket.

[2] After various changes of situation, dictated mainly by a desire to gain time for study, he became assistant teacher of mathematics in the Perth Academy in 1794.

He was also the author of the principal mathematical articles in the Edinburgh Encyclopædia, edited by David Brewster.

[7] His most important contribution to British mathematics however was, that he was one of the first mathematicians introducing and promoting the advancement of the continental European version of calculus in Britain.

[6] Wallace also worked in astronomy and invented the eidograph, a mechanical device for scaling drawings.