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William Morgan, actuary and scientist born in Bridgend, Wales

  • Person's Name: William Morgan
  • Fame as?: Actuary, physicist and father of the actuarial profession
  • Fame Hilite: The Welsh actuary who unknowingly produced X-rays over a century before Röntgen.
  • Death info: William died on the 4th of May, 1833.
  • Birth info: William was born on the 26th of May, 1750, in Newcastle, Bridgend, Glamorgan, Wales.
  • Body Text 2:

    Morgan's Nostological Table, his 1800 analysis of Equitable Life's mortality experience by cause of death, is regarded as one of the earliest systematic cause-of-death studies. His sons and grandson continued the family's association with Equitable Life for over a century after his death.

    Incase you're wondering: An actuary is a business professional who uses mathematics, statistics, and financial theory to study, measure, and manage risk and future uncertainty.
  • Career Highlights:
    • Career Highlight: Chief Actuary, Equitable Life Assurance Society, 1775-1830
    • Career Highlight: Royal Society Copley Medal, 1789
    • Career Highlight: Fellow of the Royal Society, 1790
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  • External Profile Pic: https://www.famouswelsh.com/images/
  • Connection: Born in Bridgend, Glamorgan, and the nephew of the Welsh philosopher Dr Richard Price
  • Related Material:
  • Location String: Bridgend, Wales
  • Connection Place Map: 51.5057,-3.5763
William Morgan (1750-1833) was born in Newcastle, Bridgend, Glamorgan, the son of a physician and the nephew, through his mother Sarah, of the philosopher and mathematician Dr Richard Price. Trained briefly in medicine at Guy's Hospital, he returned to Bridgend to join his father's practice before, on Price's recommendation, joining the Equitable Life Assurance Society in 1774. Morgan rose to Chief Actuary the following year and held the post for 55 years, retiring in 1830 at the age of 80. His pioneering work on...