Born: 19 August 1584 in Ornans, Franche-Comté, Spanish Habsburgs (now France)
Died: 14 September 1638 in Ornans, Franche-Comté, Spanish Habsburgs (now France)

Pierre Vernier was taught mathematics and science by his father who was a lawyer and engineer who held government office. His father introduced Pierre to the works of Clavius and Brahe.

Being born in Franche-Comté (Free Country) meant that Vernier (and his father) were involved, not with the government of France but with that of Spain. Franche-Comté was a Habsburg possession controlled by the Spanish Habsburgs throughout Vernier's life. In fact the period from 1598 to 1635 was one of peace.

Vernier became a government official holding various positions such as military engineer for the Hapsburgs and director general of the treasury in Dole and Besançon, the capital of Franche- Comté. Vernier also held various government posts with the government of Spain and became a Conseiller du Roi.

He worked for much of the time as an engineer, working on the fortifications of various cities. In 1623 he was given the title of citizen from the city of Besançon for his work on the defences of the city. In fact the threat of war was never far away and during the last two years of Vernier's life Franche-Comté was frequently invaded by France.

Like many other mathematicians and scientists of this period, Vernier worked on cartography and on surveying. He collaborated with his father in making a map of the Franche-Comté area. His interest in surveying led to develop instruments for surveying and this prompted the invention for which he is remembered by all scientists.

1. Biography in Encyclopaedia Britannica. 
   http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-9075131/Pierre-Vernier

Articles:

1. H Michel, Le 'vernier' et son inventeur Pierre Vernier d'Ornans, Mémoires de la Société d'émulation du Doubs 8 (1913), 310-373.