Dates

• Existence: 1850 - 1925

Biography

Walter William Rouse Ball (1850-1925), historian of mathematics and educationalist, was born at 81 New Bond Street, London, on 14 August 1850, the only son of Walter Frederick Ball, oilman, and his wife, Mary Anne Rouse. He went to University College School and then University College, London, where he gained the degree of MA and won a gold medal for mathematics. In 1870 Ball went up to Trinity College, Cambridge. He graduated BA in 1874, as second wrangler and first Smith's prizeman. He was elected a fellow of his college in 1875, and proceeded MA in 1877. In 1876 he was called to the bar (Inner Temple) and practised briefly as an equity draftsman and conveyancer. At the invitation of Trinity College he returned to Cambridge as a lecturer (from 1878) and tutor (from 1880) in mathematics, positions he occupied until 1905. He was, from 1891, also director of mathematical studies. Ball wrote several histories and monographs about the history of mathematics. He also wrote the comprehensive Mathematical Recreations (2nd edn, 1892) which had reached its 13th edition by 1987 and which is probably the work for which he will be generally remembered. Ball died at his home, Elmside, 49 Grange Road, in Cambridge, on 4 April 1925.

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