February 24 has been designated in the Iranian calendar as day of noted Iranian scientist Khajeh Nasir Tousi.
The great figure who is considered the father and architect of mathematics has written countless treatises in the field.
Some 100 volumes of books and treatises have been authored by the well-known Iranian philosopher, mathematician, astronomer and poet.
Abu Jafar Muhammad Ibn-e Muhammad Ibn-e al-Hasan, Nasir al-Din al-Tousi was born in Toos (Khorasan 1201–1274). He was a Persian Shii scientist and learnt sciences and philosophy from Kamal al-Din Ibn-e Yunus and others.
He was one of those who were kidnapped by Hasan Ibn-e Sabah's agents and sent to Alamoot. In 1256 A.H when Alamoot was conquered by the Mongols, Nasir al-Din joined Halagu's service. Halagu Khan was deeply impressed by his knowledge, including his astrological competency; appointed him as one of his ministers.
Nasir al-Din was one of the greatest scientists, philosophers, mathematicians, astronomers, theologians and physicians of the time. He made significant contributions to a large number of subjects, and it is indeed difficult to present his works in a few words. He wrote one or several treatises on different sciences and subjects including on geometry, algebra, arithmetic, trigonometry, medicine, metaphysics, logic, ethics and theology. In addition he wrote poetry in Persian.
In mathematics, his major contribution would seem to be in trigonometry, which was compiled by him as a new subject in its own right for the first time. Also he developed the subject of spherical trigonometry, including six fundamental formulas for the solution of spherical right-angled triangles.
As the chief scientist at the observatory established under his supervision in Maragheh, he made significant contributions to astronomy. The observatory was equipped with the best possible instruments, including those collected by the Mongol armies from Baghdad and other Islamic centers. The instruments included astrolabes, representations of constellations, epicycles, shapes of spheres, and etc. He himself invented an instrument 'turquet' that contained two planes.
After the devoted work of 12 years at the observatory and with the assistance of his group, he produced new astronomical tables called Al-Zij-Ilkhani dedicated to Ilkhan (Halagu Khan). Although Toosi had contemplated completing the tables in 30 years, the time required for the completion of planetary cycles, but he had to complete them in 12 years on orders from Halagu Khan.
In philosophy, apart from his contribution in logic and metaphysics, his work on ethics entitled Akhlaq-e-Nasri became the most important book on the subject, and remained popular for centuries. Tajrid-al-'Aqaid was his major work on al-Kalam (Islamic Scholastic Philosophy) and enjoyed widespread popularity.
Several commentaries were written on this book and even a number of super commentaries on the major commentaries, Sharh Qadim and Sharh Jadid.
His other works were the books, which were originally written in Arabic and Persian, were translated into Latin and other European languages in the Middle Ages and several of these have been printed.
Toosi's influence has been significant in the development of science, notably in mathematics and astronomy. His books were widely consulted for centuries and he has been held in high repute for his rich contributions.
He invented a method called a Toosi-couple for his planetary models, which generates linear motion from the sum of two circular motions. He also calculated the value of 51" for the annual precession of the equinoxes and contributed to construction and usage of some astronomical instruments including astrolabe. He gave the first extant exposition of the whole system of plane and spherical trigonometry.
A 60-km diameter lunar crater located on the southern hemisphere of the moon is named after him as "Nasireddin".
He also wrote extensively on biology and is one of the early pioneers of a kind of evolutionism in scientific thought.
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