In mathematics he was greater Than Tycho Brahe or Erra Pater; For he, by geometric scale, Could take the size of pots of ale; Resolve by sines and tangents straight If bread or butter wanted weight; And wisely tell you what hour o' th' day The clock does strike, by algebra.

The Poetical Works of Samuel Butler (Volume 1), Hudibras, Part I, Canto I, l. 125 - Bell & Daldy. 1835