It was established in 1701 by Lady Mary Sadleir, who made provision in her will for lecturers in algebra to be funded at nine colleges in the university. She died in 1706 and the lectures began in 1710. In 1860 the lectureships were changed to a professorship.

Note: Early university records and some references, e.g., Encyclopaedia Britannica, 15th edition, refer to the subject as Sadlerian Chair.

Holders

• 1863–1895 Arthur Cayley
• 1895–1910 Andrew Forsyth
• 1910–1931 Ernest Hobson
• 1931–1942 Godfrey Harold Hardy
• 1945–1953 Louis Mordell
• 1953–1967 Philip Hall
• 1967–1986 John Cassels
• 1986-current John Coates

References