Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900/Myers, Thomas
MYERS, THOMAS (1774–1834), mathematician and geographer, was born 13 Feb. 1774, at Hovingham, near York, of a family long settled in the county. In 1806 he was appointed professor of mathematics at the Royal Military Academy, Woolwich. He died 21 April 1834, at his residence in Lee Park, Blackheath. In 1807 he married Anna Maria, youngest daughter of John Hale, esq., by whom he had issue. His son Frederic Myers is separately noticed.
Myers wrote: 1. 'A Compendious System of Modern Geography, with Maps,' 1812, London, 8vo; re-edited ten years later in 2 vols. 4to. 2. 'A Statistical Chart of Europe,' 1813. 3. 'An Essay on Improving the Condition of the Poor, . . . with Hints on the Means of Employing those who are now Discharged from His Majesty's Service,' 1814. 4. 'A Practical Treatise on finding the Latitude and Longitude at Sea, with Tables, &c., translated from the French of M. de Rossel' [1815]. 5. 'Remarks on a Course of Education designed to prepare the Youthful Mind for a career of Honour, Patriotism, and Philanthropy,' 1818. In this the author, described as honorary member of the London Philosophical Society, recommends the study of mathematics, and especially of geometry, 'not only for checking the wanderings of a volatile disposition, . . . but for inspiring the mind with a love of truth.' The work was reprinted in the twelfth volume of the 'Pamphleteer.' Myers also wrote essays, chiefly on astronomical subjects, in various of the annual numbers of 'Time's Telescope' from 1811 onwards. The memoir of Captain Parry, introduced in one of these, and an 'Essay on Man' are highly praised in the 'Gentleman's Magazine,' 1823 p. 524, 1825 p. 541.
[Myers's Works; Gent. Mag. 1834, pt. i. p. 108; information from the family.]