Homersham Cox (mathematician)

Homersham Cox (1821-1897) was a British mathematician, barrister, and writer on diverse subjects including mechanics, hydrodynamics, and the history of parliamentary reform.

Born in 1821, Cox was educated at Harrow School and Jesus College, Cambridge, where he graduated as Senior Wrangler in 1844. This distinction marked him as the top mathematics graduate of his year. He was elected a Fellow of his college shortly thereafter.

While highly accomplished in mathematics, Cox did not pursue an academic career exclusively. He was called to the Bar at Lincoln's Inn in 1851 and practiced as a barrister for several years.

Cox authored several books and papers. His mathematical work focused on theoretical mechanics and hydrodynamics. Notable publications include Principles of Hydrostatics (1847), Calculus of Finite Differences (1852), A Treatise on Practical Mechanics (1870), and Mechanism in Thought and Morals: An Attempt to Explain the Paradox of Free Will (1876). These works showcase his deep understanding of mathematical principles and their application to physical phenomena.

Beyond his scientific and legal pursuits, Cox also demonstrated an interest in history and political reform. He wrote extensively on the history of parliamentary representation in England, including a significant multi-volume work titled The History of the Reform Bills of 1866 and 1867 (1868). This historical scholarship underscores his engagement with contemporary political issues.

Homersham Cox died in 1897, leaving behind a legacy as a versatile scholar who contributed to mathematics, law, and historical and political thought. His career exemplifies the breadth of intellectual pursuits common among Victorian intellectuals.