Merchiston Tower, Napier University

Image: © M J Richardson Taken: 26 Oct 2007

John Napier [1550-1617], eighth Laird of Merchiston, was born in Merchiston Tower. He is relatively little known outside mathematical circles, but his work on logarithms is considered by some to be the single greatest advance in the history of mathematics. He also published a small treatise on a simple way to perform multiplication, with what became known as Napier's 'Rods' or 'Bones'. In an appendix he explained another method of multiplication and division using metal plates, which is the earliest known attempt at a mechanical means of calculation - and which makes him the grandfather of our modern day calculator. Merchiston Tower was built in the middle of the 15th century, either by Andrew Napier, Merchant and Provost of Edinburgh, or by his son, Sir Alexander Napier, Vice-Admiral of Scotland, Controller of the Royal Household of James II, and twice Provost of Edinburgh, who inherited the estate in 1454. Edinburgh Corporation acquired the Tower in 1935 and it lay almost unused until the idea of incorporating it into a technical college was first raised in 1956, and finally approved in 1958. That college is now Napier University.

Images are licensed for reuse under creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0