Did renowned mathematician Abraham de Moivre predict his death date? Here's the truth

A widely shared story claims mathematician Abraham de Moivre predicted his death by calculating that his daily increase in sleep would eventually total 24 hours. While he did die on November 27, 1754, historians say there is no reliable contemporary evidence supporting the prediction tale. Research by Helen M. Walker and early biographers found no mention of such a calculation, suggesting the story is likely apocryphal despite its lasting popularity.

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A long repeated tale claims mathematician Abraham de Moivre predicted his own death through calculation, yet historians continue disputing the story centuries after his passing on November 27, 1754. The legend remains popular in books. Scholars, however, question its authenticity today.

The Legend Of Abraham de Moivre’s Prediction
According to the story, de Moivre tracked sleep. He supposedly needed fifteen extra minutes daily. He calculated when sleep would reach hours. The total would equal twenty four hours. That date allegedly matched his death. He indeed died in London that day. He was eighty seven years old then.

The tale appears in many publications. It is often repeated without evidence. Some writers present it as fact. Others describe it as charming folklore. The calculation involves arithmetic progression theory. That detail strengthens its narrative appeal.

Historian Helen M. Walker Questions The Tale
In 1934, historian Helen M. Walker examined the claim closely. Her biography appeared in Scripta Mathematica during August 1934. She wrote the tale lacked proof. Walker called the progression purely apocryphal. She found no contemporary confirmation anywhere.