MERCATOR, Gerardus (1512-94)
	See also: 'The Nautical Chart'
	Flat maps of the world are often shown in what is called a Mercator projection. Such maps are named after Gerardus Mercator, the foremost geographer of the 16th century. He also introduced the word atlas to refer to a bound collection of maps. Mercator was born on March 5, 1512, in Rupelmonde, Flanders (now in Belgium). He began his education at a school operated by the Brothers of the Common Life in Hertogenbosch. From there he went to the University of Louvain, from which he graduated with a master's degree in 1532. Two years of further study turned his interest to geography. He learned astronomy, geography, and mathematics from Gemma Frisius, the leading mathematician of the Low Countries. Mercator also studied engraving, calligraphy, and instrument making all talents he later used effectively in mapmaking. Beginning in 1537 he produced a series of maps and a book on italic lettering. His work was interrupted in 1544, when he was arrested and detained for seven months on a charge of religious heresy. In order to continue working without interference from the authorities, he moved to Duisburg (now in Germany). It was there in 1569 that he used the projection for which he is famous on a cylindrical map of the world. He preferred the straight-line map because it enabled sailors to steer a course over long distances without frequent changes in compass readings. Mercator's dream was to publish a volume of maps, which would also give a history of the world since creation. Called the 'Atlas', the first section came out in 1569. It contained a chronology from creation to 1568. Next was a series of 27 maps designed by the ancient Greek geographer Ptolemy. Mercator died on Dec. 2, 1594. The last section of the 'Atlas' was published by his son in 1595.
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