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Thomas Simpson

Thomas Simpson (August 20, 1710 - May 14, 1761), British mathematician, inventor and eponym of Simpson's rule to approximate definite integrals.

Simpson was born in Market Bosworth, Leicestershire. He taught himself mathematics, then turned to astrology. After an unfortunate "devil-raising", he and his wife had to flee to Derby [1]. They later moved to London.

From 1743, he taught mathematics at the Royal Military Academy in Woolwich.

Apparently, the method that became known as Simpson's rule was well known and used earlier (published by James Gregory), and was only attributed to Simpson.

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