Stone, Marshall H 1973-05-28,29
Marshall Stone discusses the development of mathematics and his career at Harvard University and the University of Chicago. In the second lecture, he presents the development and influence of international mathematical organizations since 1900. Both lectures were presented at the Conference on the History of Mathematics at Texas Tech University, May 28-30, 1973.
General Interview Information
Interviewee Name: Marshall H. Stone
Additional Parties Recorded: None
Date: May 28-29, 1973
Location: Lubbock, Texas
Interviewer: Conference on the History of Mathematics
Length: 2 hours 55 minutes
Abstract
Tape 1, Side 1: Science of Mathematics,
Problems,
Development,
Thomas Fisk,
New York Mathematical Society,
Mathematical Institutions,
Universities,
Private academies,
National Academy of Science,
Mathematical Journals,
American Journal of Mathematics,
Annals of Mathematics,
Formation of Mathematical Society,
New York Mathematical Society (again),
American Mathematical Society,
Journals,
Diversification of mathematics,
Post-World War II,
National Science Foundation,
Leading universities in mathematics,
Princeton University.
Tape 1, Side 2: Princeton University (continued),
Oswald Veblen,
Topology,
Anecdote, Phillip Franklin,
Institute of Advanced Mathematics,
George Berkhoff,
Harvard University,
Benjamin Perce,
European model,
Calculus in America,
Origin,
Mathematical research,
Harvard University (again),
Faculty (1919-1946),
Physics,
Heinrick Brinkman,
Curriculum (1919),
Statistics courses,
Graduate courses,
Instructors.
Tape 2, Side 1: Harvard University (continued),
Courses,
Graduate Study,
Curricular changes,
Nature of the math department,
Teaching,
Individual instruction,
Research,
Student Opinion,
George Berkhoff,
Characteristics,
Teaching methods,
Mechanics,
Howard Akins’s computer,
University of Chicago,
Early faculty,
Curriculum development,
Decision to accept job (1946),
Department chairmanship.
Tape 2, Side 2: University of Chicago (continued),
Hiring decisions,
Curriculum development (again),
New faculty,
Revision,
Courses required,
Graduate requirements,
Exams,
Graduates,
Applications of math,
Government assistance,
Problems.
Tape 3, Side 1: American mathematics affected by international mathematicians,
Graduate work overseas,
Growth of American mathematics (early 20th century),
International Mathematical Congresses,
Higher mathematical education concerns,
International Mathematical Union (IMU),
Development and purpose,
Exclusion of World War I Central Powers,
Decline of the IMU,
Revival after World War II,
Acceptance of Axis Powers,
New constitution for IMU,
Visit to Japan (1949),
Formula for regional representation,
Educational provisions,
Union activities.
Tape 3, Side 2: Communist countries involved,
Anecdote: Soviet representative in India,
International mathematical education organizations,
International Commission on Mathematical,
Instruction (ICMI),
Local organizations,
U. S. relations with the IMU and ICMI,
International science academies,
Institute for Advanced Study.
Range Dates: 1860-1973
Bulk Dates: 1920-1970
Access Information
Original Recording Format:
Recording Format Notes:
Transcript:
Thank you for your interest in this oral history interview. Our oral history collection is available to patrons in the Southwest Collection's Reading Room, located on the campus of Texas Tech University. For reading room hours, visit our website. Please contact Reference Staff at least one week prior to your visit to ensure the oral history you are interested in will be available. Due to copyright issues, duplications of our oral histories can only be made for family members. If an oral history transcript has been made available online, the link will be provided on this page. More information on accessing our oral histories is located here. Preferred citation style can be found here.
