Born in Basel, Switzerland, I began formally studying theology but studied mathematics on my own through the works of Descartes, Wallis, Barrow, et al.

I was a constant correspondent with the great Leibniz, THE creator of the calculus.

In mathematics, I contributed to series expansions, conics, analysis, studies of the cantenary and isochrone, cycloids, logarithmic spirals, and transcendental curves.

Based on my text published posthumously, I am known as one of the creators if probability.

Impressed with the logarithmic spiral's property of reappearing under multiple transformations, I wrote my will to require the carving of the spiral on my tombstone.

Finally, I am known for quarreling with my brother Johann over the rights to priority for MY mathematical discoveries.