The history of mathematics might be a very different story were it not for the accomplishments of Scottish mathematician John Napier. Born near Edinburgh in 1550, Napier held the title of Laird of Merchiston. Educated in France, Napier spent much of his free time studying mathematics. Very involved in Protestantism, Napier published a book in 1594 entitled Plaine Discovery of the Whole Revelation of St. John, an anti-Catholic commentary and the first Scottish work on biblical interpretation. Preparing for the possibility of war against Spain, Napier spent considerable time thinking of devices to combat a Spanish invasion, including plans for burning mirrors, armored war chariots and submarines. When news of Napier's ideas leaked out, he gained a reputation for dealing in black magic, or at the very least, of being a bit unbalanced. Fortunately for the rest of the world, the need for Napier's war devices never came about, and...