As a main character in an alt history I'm planning I need an actual historical figure who was a British military officer and a known mathematical genius. He must be a rough contemporary of Michael Faraday (1791-1867). He also must be an inveterate innovator. It wouldn't hurt if he had some reputation as ruthless, though I'm not really looking for a villain so that may be optional. I have considered Napoleon but he's too early and had a well known conservative attitude toward technology. Also, he's too strong a figure. My best candidate so far is John Cochrane, (1798-1878 ) who is mainly remembered as one of the nineteenth century's strongest chess players with a 'dashing' style. He also came from a distinguished British military family which included one Admiral known for his innovative tactics. The problem is that his own military career never went beyond midshipman. Enough, I suppose, but just barely. Can anyone think of someone better?
