Joshua King (mathematician)

Joshua King (1798 – 1857) was an English mathematician, academic, and clergyman. He served as the Lucasian Professor of Mathematics at the University of Cambridge from 1832 to 1839 and as President of Queens' College, Cambridge, from 1832 until his death.

King was born in Hawkshead, Lancashire (now Cumbria). He graduated from Queens' College, Cambridge, as Senior Wrangler in 1819 and was elected a Fellow of the college. He was ordained a deacon in 1822 and a priest in 1823.

His mathematical work was primarily in the field of geometrical optics. He published several papers on this subject, including "On the Principles of the Reflexion and Refraction of Light" (1825). He was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1839.

As President of Queens' College, King oversaw a period of significant growth and reform. He was instrumental in the construction of the new buildings along the river Cam, significantly altering the appearance of the college. He was also known for his strong personality and sometimes controversial decisions. King was a staunch advocate for the classical curriculum and resisted attempts to introduce more modern subjects. He died in Cambridge.