Scientist and mathematician.

Hollis professor of mathematics and natural philosophy at Harvard (1738-79). Fellow of The Royal Society (1766). Member of the American Philosophical Society (1769).

His correspondence with Franklin was principally of a scientific character.

Born in Boston. Married c. 1746 to Rebecca Townsend; had issue. Married c. 1756 to Hannah (Fayerweather) Tolman, a widow.