The History of Wales

'The father of actuarial science'

Born on this day 1750 in Bridgend,

William Morgan, who is considered the father of modern actuarial science (the discipline that uses mathematics and statistics to assess risk in insurance and finance). He is also credited with producing the first 'x-ray tube'.

Morgan was the son of physician William Morgan and Sarah (Price) the sister of the well known philosopher and preacher, Richard Price. He studied medicine at Guy's Hospital in London, but did not complete his training. He initially joined his father's practice, but following the death of his father and on the recommendation of his uncle was appointed Assistant Actuary of The Equitable Life Assurance Society in 1774. He was later elected Actuary, in which position, he is credited with establishing the actuarial profession.

Williams also developed an interest in scientific experimentation and advised by Joseph Priestley, the discoverer of Oxygen, he was the first to record the invisible light produced in an x-ray tube.