St Salvator’s College and Chapel

St Salvator’s College and Chapel

Mathematics,Philosophy

St Salvator’s College and Chapel were founded by Bishop James Kennedy in 1450 and the college was originally founded with both a missionary and an educational function. The Chapel was built in a late gothic architecture style with the main entrance facing out into the street so as to also serve the wider community. Amongst the many provosts of St Salvator’s College, the mathematician and theologian John Maior (Mair) is of particular note, having held the post from 1534 until his death in 1550. Maior made important contributions to the study of infinity and logic. One of his most important works is his 1506 treatise Propositum de Infinito in which he explores the possibility of infinity existing in the physical world. In 1563 John Napier (famous for his discovery of logarithms and invention of Napier’s bones amongst other things) matriculated as a student and lived in St Salvator’s College, looked after personally by the principal John Rutherford. However there is no record of him ever graduating the university.

For more information on John Napier and John Maior, see here.

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St Salvator's Quadrangle, North St, St Andrews KY16 9AL

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