Nathaniel Bowditch
American astronomer and mathematician (1773–1838) / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Nathaniel Bowditch (March 26, 1773 – March 16, 1838) was an early American mathematician remembered for his work on ocean navigation. He is often credited as the founder of modern maritime navigation; his book The New American Practical Navigator, first published in 1802, is still carried on board every commissioned U.S. Naval vessel.
![Thumb image](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/1f/Nathaniel_Bowditch_%281773-1838%2C_last_and_unfinished_painting_by_Gilbert_Stuart%2C_1828%29.jpg/320px-Nathaniel_Bowditch_%281773-1838%2C_last_and_unfinished_painting_by_Gilbert_Stuart%2C_1828%29.jpg)
![Dedication page by Nathaniel Bowditch in "Mécanique céleste"](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/44/Laplace-10.jpg/640px-Laplace-10.jpg)
![Portrait of Mary Bowditch in Volume 1 of Pierre-Simon Laplace's "Mécanique céleste" (1829), translated by Nathaniel Bowditch](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b9/Laplace-9.jpg/640px-Laplace-9.jpg)
Quick Facts Born, Died ...
Nathaniel Bowditch | |
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![]() Bowditch is often credited as the founder of modern maritime navigation. | |
Born | (1773-03-26)March 26, 1773 |
Died | March 16, 1838(1838-03-16) (aged 64) Boston, Massachusetts, US |
Occupation(s) | Mathematician, ship's captain, and actuary |
Spouse(s) | Elizabeth Boardman Bowditch, Mary Polly Ingersoll Bowditch |
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