Real Life Stories

Nicholas Sanderson

Despite visual disability and several obstacles, Nicholas Sanderson achieved excellence in mathematics, an almost impossible task for a blind person.

He was born in 1682 in Yorkshire, England. At the time of birth, he was a normal child but when he was a year old, he suffered from a bout of small pox due to which he lost his sight.

However, blindness did not stop him from pursuing his normal activities. Although in the 17th century there was no provision for any kind of special education for blind children, Nicholas started studying by himself. His father encouraged him and took the responsibility of teaching the child.

His father's hard labour and Nicholas's extraordinary interest yielded fruitful results and Nicholas developed an outstanding aptitude for mathematics, to the extent that he was able to solve mathematical problems orally.

As Nicholas grew up, he was sent to a normal school where he started studying with sighted students. He continued studying advanced mathematics. When he found any difficulty in solving tough mathematical equations, he himself tried to find solutions. In order to help himself he developed an instrument. With the help of this instrument, he was able to solve the problems with extraordinary speed.

This oldest disabled inventor not only used the invention himself but later, his instrument was upgraded and is still used by blind students at various schools.

Nicholas achieved excellence in all areas of mathematics. He developed an interest in geometry. To solve geometrical problems he invented another instrument. His contemporaries maintained that he was able to solve tough geometrical problems with the help of this instrument. However, how he used the instrument is still unknown and this instrument could not be used by others.

Despite various obstacles, Nicholas continued studying. On recognizing his extraordinary talent, his well-wishers inspired him to join Cambridge University. This blind student then went to Cambridge, but in the 17th century and the beginning of the 18th century nobody was ready to accept a blind student who wished to study advanced mathematics.

Nicholas tried hard to impress the university authorities with his knowledge and aptitude for mathematics but all his efforts went in vain. After considerable persuasion, officials allowed him to use the library. He was also given the facility to borrow books from the library.

Sanderson continued his private study of mathematics. After some time his reputation grew as a mathematician. Several students of Cambridge University consulted him. Some of them formally took private tuition from him.

Nicolas continued his work and more people came into contact with him. He also interacted with a professor of Cambridge University and famous mathematician and scientist, Sir Isaac Newton. Newton was very impressed with him. He extended all kinds of help to this blind mathematician and involved him in his research work. Nicholas was among the 12 persons who were able to understand the book 'Principia' Written by Newton.

The officials who denied him admission in the university were finally so impressed that he was asked to give a lecture in one class. This informal lecture further added to his growing reputation and people's confidence in him increased.

When Newton was about to retire from the university, he proposed the name of Nicholas Sanderson to be appointed in his place. But this blind mathematician had no formal degree from any institution.

However, at that point, the Queen came to his rescue and she conferred on him an honorary degree. With this, he was formally appointed lecturer of mathematics at Cambridge University. He was then 30 years old and worked there till the day he died.

Nicholas continued to work in various fields and his reputation grew further. He was appointed Fellow of the Royal Society in 1719. King George the Second conferred on him the Honorary Degree of Law in 1728, at the age of 46.

Nicholas Sanderson's work was not limited to mathematics. He also worked in other areas of science and gave a series of lectures related to the eyes. People were surprised that a blind scholar had such in-depth knowledge about the human eye.

The famous mathematician continued his hard work throughout his life. He did his best to prove that even the blind could get education and could educate others. Social misconceptions were considerably eradicated by his contribution. His indirect contribution to formal education of the blind in the 18th century will be remembered by this world forever.

Nicholas Sanderson the scientist died in 1739 at the age of 57.

Source: Vinod Kumar Mishra, Eminent Disabled People of the World, Bookwise (India) Pvt Ltd.