Brother John Wallis, Lodge unknown, was an English mathematician who was a co-developer of infinitesimal calculus. He was one of the founders of England's Royal Society, a renowned group still in existence which supports scientific achievement and advancement. He served as the chief cryptographer for Parliament (1643-1689) and a member of the Royal Court. He also introduced the modern symbol for infinity: ∞. Overshadowed by some of his peers in the founding of the Royal Society and the development of calculus (e.g., Isaac Newton), he has remained largely forgotten. However, in 2000, he was recognized for his accomplishments when astronomers named a newly discovered main-belt asteroid "31982 Johnwallis."
