Nathaniel Bowditch

Nathaniel Bowditch
Bowditch is often credited as the founder of modern maritime navigation.
Born(1773-03-26)March 26, 1773
Salem, Province of Massachusetts Bay
DiedMarch 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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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.

Nathaniel Bowditch (1773-1838), last and unfinished painting by Gilbert Stuart.
Dedication page by Nathaniel Bowditch in "Mécanique céleste"
Dedication page by Nathaniel Bowditch in "Mécanique céleste"
Portrait of Mary Bowditch in Volume 1 of Pierre-Simon Laplace's "Mécanique céleste" (1829), translated by Nathaniel Bowditch
Portrait of Mary Bowditch in Volume 1 of Pierre-Simon Laplace's "Mécanique céleste" (1829), translated by Nathaniel Bowditch