Borda, JEAN CHARLES DE

Borda, JEAN CHARLES DE, mathematician and astronomer, was born in 1733 at Dax, in the French department of Landes. As early as 1756 his Mémoire sur les Projectiles procured him admission to the Academy of Sciences. Entering the navy, he busied himself with nautical, astronomical, and hydraulic investigations, and suggested great improvements in the form of vessels. In 1777–78 he did good service in the American war; in 1782 he was captured by the English on the voyage home from Martinique, but was permitted to return on parole to France, where he entered the ministry of marine. He died at Paris, 20th February 1799. He was a leading member of the commission intrusted with the measurement of a meridian arc; and he rendered essential service to the new system of weights and measures.