Girolamo Cardano, Italian astrologer and mathematician, 16th century.

ITALY - MAY 31: Girolamo Cardano (1501-1576) was a mathematician, astrologer and physician. What is known as �Cardan�s formula� for solving cubic and quartic equations may actually have been devised by Scipione da Ferro, or by Niccolo Tartaglia who accused Cardano of plagiarism. Cardano cast Edward VI�s horoscope and was imprisoned for heresy by the Inquisition. He recanted and was given a pension by Pope Pius V. Cardano wrote prolifically on philosophy, music, medicine and astronomy as well as mathematics, physics and astrology. His most famous work was �Ars Magna� in which he published the controversial formula. He also wrote �De propria vita�, a candid autobiography, and died shortly after finishing it. (Photo by SSPL/Getty Images)