Robert Hues
Who was Robert Hues?
English mathematician and geographer
Biographical data adapted from Wikipedia’s article on Robert Hues (CC BY-SA 4.0).
Biography
Robert Hues (1553-1632) was an English mathematician and geographer who made significant contributions to navigation and astronomical observation, boosting maritime exploration in the late 16th and early 17th centuries. Born in Hertfordshire, Hues studied at Oxford University, starting at St. Mary Hall and later at Brasenose College, graduating in 1578. His strong background in mathematics led him to focus on geography and navigation, shaping his professional career.
Hues gained practical navigation skills at a school started by Walter Raleigh, where he learned both the theory and practice of seafaring. His first major voyage took him to Newfoundland, where he made precise observations, challenging the accepted values for magnetic compass variation. This early work showed his dedication to relying on empirical observation over established beliefs, a practice that guided his later research.
From 1586 to 1588, Hues joined Thomas Cavendish's circumnavigation of the globe, serving as the expedition's astronomer and mathematician. During this trip, he systematically recorded astronomical observations and the latitudes of many places, adding valuable information to the growing geographical knowledge. He continued studying compass variation throughout the journey, recording how magnetic declination changed with latitude and location.
Hues embarked on a second circumnavigation with Cavendish starting in August 1591, continuing his work on astronomy and compass studies. This expedition was more difficult, and Cavendish died in 1592. Despite the challenges, Hues continued his observations, particularly noting compass variations in the South Atlantic and at the Equator, before returning to England in 1593 with important navigational data.
In 1594, Hues published his most important work, "Tractatus de globis et eorum usu" (Treatise on Globes and Their Use), written in Latin to accompany the terrestrial and celestial globes made by Emery Molyneux. This treatise explained how to use these navigational instruments and encouraged the adoption of astronomical navigation techniques among English sailors. The work was highly influential, appearing in at least twelve more editions in Dutch, English, French, and Latin, showing its widespread use across European maritime communities.
Before Fame
Robert Hues was born in a time when England was rapidly expanding its maritime exploration and trade. While he was studying at Oxford in the 1570s, England was becoming a major naval power, with explorers like Francis Drake and Walter Raleigh leading important voyages. The need for skilled navigators and math expertise in sea ventures provided opportunities for well-educated people like Hues to use their knowledge for real-world exploration.
Hues gained prominence through his connection with Walter Raleigh's navigation school, which was a structured way to train skilled mariners at the time. This setup helped him move from academic math to practical navigation, allowing him to take part in major circumnavigation expeditions. These expeditions established him as a top expert in astronomical navigation and understanding compass variation.
Key Achievements
- Participated in Thomas Cavendish's circumnavigation expeditions (1586-1588 and 1591-1593) as expedition astronomer
- Published 'Tractatus de globis et eorum usu' (1594), a influential navigation manual reprinted in 12+ editions across four languages
- Conducted systematic observations of magnetic compass variation across different latitudes and geographical positions
- Made precise astronomical observations and latitude measurements during global voyages, contributing to geographical knowledge
- Promoted the adoption of practical astronomical navigation techniques among English mariners
Did You Know?
- 01.Hues served as companion to Henry Percy, 9th Earl of Northumberland, while Percy was imprisoned in the Tower of London, along with mathematicians Thomas Harriot and Walter Warner, forming a group known as the 'Three Magi'
- 02.His observations during Cavendish's voyages were among the first systematic studies of magnetic compass variation across different latitudes and longitudes
- 03.The Molyneux globes that Hues wrote about in his treatise were the first terrestrial and celestial globes made in England
- 04.Hues remained loyal to Thomas Grey, 15th Baron Grey de Wilton, staying with him during his imprisonment in the Tower of London for involvement in the Bye Plot
- 05.His treatise on globes was translated into multiple European languages and remained in use for decades as a standard navigation manual