John Napier was a Scottish mathematician, best known for inventing logarithms, which simplified complex calculations. He was born in 1550 and made significant contributions to mathematics and science during the Renaissance period. His work laid the foundation for modern computational methods and influenced many future mathematicians. In addition to logarithms, Napier is also recognized for creating Napier's bones, a calculating tool that used rods to perform multiplication and division. He published his most famous work, Mirifici Logarithmorum Canonis, in 1614, which introduced his logarithmic tables. Napier's innovations greatly impacted fields such as astronomy and navigation.