Prof. Alexander Aitken

Prof A. Aitken:

Brian Sweeney writes: Alexander Aitken was the greatest mathematician of his era and possessed an astonishing computational brain that could complete challenges that today are reserved for the most complex computers. As one of the most remarkable mathematical brains of all time, Aitken could recite Pi to 707 decimal places, multiply two nine digit numbers in his head in 30 seconds, and render fractions to 26 decimal places in under five seconds.

https://www.nzedge.com/legends/alexander-aitken/

Mr. Derek Hudson writes:- Professor Alexander Aitkin, F.R.S., of Edinburgh University, was one of New Zealand's most remarkable sons. He displayed his unusual genius not only in his published mathematical works, among them "The Case Against Decimalisation" (1962), but also by his extraordinary skill in mental calculation, described in an article in the "British Journal of Psychology" as possibly exceeding "that of any person for whom precise authenticated records exist". As a young teacher, a single reading of the names and initials of a new class of boys enabled him never to consult the list again. During his war service, he recited the roll, complete with regimental numbers, of every man in his platoon when the roll-book was lost.

Aitken was passionately fond of music and became a violinist and composer of considerable talent. Eric Fenby has described him as the most accomplished amateur musician he has ever known. His fiddle cheered his companions in dugouts and bivouacs throughout his service in the 1914-18 War, and is now a treasured possession of his old school, Otago Boys High School, where it reposes in a glass case in the front hall.

Aitken left it late to publish his account of his war experiences. He wrote a first draft in 1917, after he had returned, wounded, to New Zealand and later gave it a scrupulous revision. On its publication as "Gallipoli to The Somme" in 1963, it was immediately recognised both as an exact account and as a literary masterpiece, which Sir Bernard Fergusson has rated with "Undertones of War" as an epic of devotion and sacrifice. He was elected of the Royal Society of Literature in 1964, and he appreciated the tribute all the more because in his last year he suffered from the effect of a severe breakdown, the penalty of his unique sensitivity, which brought his mental activity to an end. He will be remembered for genius that is already legendary, and for a modest charm of which every reader of "Gallipoli To The Somme" must immediately aware.

Other References

• Biographical index of former fellows of the Royal Society of Edinburgh, 1783-2002, pt. 1. A-J, page 10
• Wikipedia contributors, "Alexander Aitken", Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia.
• [http://www-history.mcs.st-and.ac.uk/history/Biographies/Aitken.html]