MERCATOR

Born: 5 March 1512 -Rupelmonde, Burgundian Netherlands (now Belgium)

Died: 2 December 1594 - Duisburg, Duchy of Cleves (now Germany)

Gerardus Mercator original name Gerard De Cremer or Kremer was a Flemish map-maker and
geographer who is best known for the map projection which bears his name. Mercator was also
known for his development of the term “atlas” for a collection of maps and his skill in
calligraphy, engraving, publishing, and the making of scientific instruments. In addition,
Mercator had interests in mathematics, astronomy, cosmography, terrestrial magnetism,
history and theology. In 1544 he was arrested and imprisoned on a charge of heresy.

In September 1536 Mercator married Barbara Schellekens and their first child, a son Arnold,
was born on 31 August 1537. They had six children, three daughters and three sons. He was
released after seven months and resumed his former way of life. He obtained a privilege to
print and publish books and was free to continue his scientific studies.

On 5 May 1590 Mercator was almost blind, Frustrated that he could no longer work, he slowly
recovered but suffered great frustration at his inability to continue his map making projects. By
1592 he was able to do a small amount of work.

Achievements

In 1537 Mercator created a map of the Holy Land and in 1538 he made a map of the world on a
double heart-shaped or cordiform projection. In 1540 Mercator designed a map of Flanders and
published a manual on italic lettering called, Literarum Latinarum quas Italicas Cursoriasque
Vocant Scribende Ratio. He also worked on genealogical research for Duke Wilhelm, wrote a
Concordance of the Gospels, and composes several other works. In 1564 Mercator created a
map of Lorraine and the British Isles.

Mercator then began to execute a series of publications intended to describe the creation of
the world and its subsequent history. He worked on a celestial globe of the same size as his
terrestrial globe of 1541 which he completed in 1551. Mercator completed a new map of
Europe by October 1554. It was a large map, drawn using a new projection devised by Johannes
Stabius. This re-established Mercator as the leading European map maker and, as well as praise
for its scholarly value, the map had considerable commercial value. His income secure,
Mercator and his family moved into a large house in the wealthiest district of Duisburg.