Robert Potts (c.1804-1885)

Robert Potts was an English mathematician who tutored at Trinity College, Cambridge. He supported reforms designed to open up the university to previously excluded groups and campaigned for residence hostels for students. He was most well known as the editor of Euclid's 'Elements' first published in 1845. The book proved very popular in America as well as the British colonies. In addition to mathematical works, he also published books on Cambridge University and also on theology. 

"It is rather irregular that he should have done this just

at the close of the late International Exhibition"

In his letter to Sampson Low written in November 1862, Robert Potts claims that fellow Cambridge mathematician Isaac Todhunter (1820-1884) has plagiarised his work on Euclid which has been recently included in Sampson Low's 'Publishers Circular' periodical. 

Robert Pott's book 'Euclid's Elements of Geometry' was published in 1845. Isaac Todhunter's book 'The Elements of Euclid' was published in 1862. 

View Robert Potts' letter [opens in a new window]

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