Cut Doctor A Number From Napier Variety (+ More)

[hatton02]

1) Cut doctor a number from Napier variety (8)

The clue actually says "24" instead of "Napier" but 24 across is Napier.

####K#N#

2) Explorer with leading characters from Portugal leads a community abroad (8)
####P#R#

3) One of us, Fellow accepts order to compile mortality tables (6)
####O#

4) Take a long time with scales (6)
####O#

One of number 1 and 2 is a proper noun and could be a mathematician. Thanks

[Calibax]

2 Diaspora
(Bartholomeu) Dias = POR(tugal) +a

[bibblebub]

1) Dedekind ??

the number from Napier could be E, the base of natural logarithms and variety = KIND

but don't currently see how to get DED from 'doctor'

[hatton02]

Ah brilliant, these both fit. 4 is DRAGON I think.

Can anyone explain why "Kiss and touch tangentially for many herein" is OSCULATE?

[Calibax]

^^DEd - Doctor of Education

[Calibax]

^ Osculate means to kiss and in Mathematics (geometry) means to touch tangentially

[hatton02]

Number 3) is D#D#O#.

[hatton02]

Thanks Calibax, but why the "many herein" bit?

[hatton02]

DODSON is the other one I think...as in James Dodson

[Calibax]

^Presumably because the thematic crossword contains the names of many mathematicians

[Calibax]

Dodson looks good. DSO in Don and Dodson was an actuarial mathematician

[hatton02]

Ah, I get it. Yeah, 7 of the across and 7 of the down clues are themed and I quickly realised they were mathematicians.

DSO in don? Is the DSO the order (Distinguished Service Order) and don a fellow?

Many thanks for all your help! This was a tough crossword!