I've read about a Lucasian Professor called Joshua King. From the Wiki page, he seems like a mysterious man to me
"Joshua King came to Cambridge from Hawkshead Grammar School. It was soon evident that the school had produced someone of importance. He became Senior Wrangler, and his reputation in Cambridge was immense. It was believed that nothing less than a second Newton had appeared. They expected his work as a mathematician to make an epoch in the science. At an early age he became president of Queens’; later, he was Lucasian Professor. He published nothing; in fact, he did no mathematical work. But as long as he kept his health, he was an active and prominent figure in Cambridge, and he maintained his enormous reputation. When he died, it was felt that the memory of such an extraordinary man should not be permitted to die out, and his papers should be published. So his papers were examined, and nothing whatever worth publishing was found."
Have any of you guys heard anything more about him? What great things had he done to merit the title of the "second Newton" (except being a Senior Wrangler, which is of course a great title to achieve by itself)? Why didn't the man of his caliber published anything? Is there a place where I can read more about his fascinating story? Thank you in advance.
