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Papers and correspondence relating to the British Association Mathematical Tables Committee

 Collection

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The collection includes minute books (1929-1948), annual reports (1896, 1923-1939, 1948 & final report), correspondence and papers relating to Elliptic Functions (1925-1943), correspondence and papers relating to the Cunningham Bequest (1930-1960), and miscellaneous correspondence and papers relating to the committee.

Dates

  • Creation: 1871-1960

Extent

0.88 Linear metres (8 boxes)

Language of Materials

  • English

Preferred Citation

Oxford, Bodleian Libraries [followed by shelfmark and folio or page reference, e.g. MS. Eng. misc. c. 676, fols. 1-2].

Please see our help page for further guidance on citing archives and manuscripts.

Full range of shelfmarks:

MSS. Eng. misc. c. 676-677; MSS. Eng. misc. d. 1157-1162

Collection ID (for staff)

CMD ID 13629

Abstract

Papers and correspondence relating to the British Association Mathematical Tables Committee

Biographical / Historical

The British Association for the Advancement of Science was established in 1831 to promote the public understanding of science. As part of its mission it supported new areas of scientific investigation through the creation of temporary research committees.

At the 1871 meeting of the British Association held in Edinburgh, a committee was set up for the purpose of reporting 'on Mathematical Tables, which it might be desirable to compute or reprint'. The Committee was re-formed and reorganised at various times but its purpose remained broadly along its original lines.

In 1928 Colonel A.J.C. Cunningham (secretary of the committee, 1896-1901) died leaving in his will 'one-twelfth part (of my residuary estate) for preparing new Mathematical Tables in the Theory of Numbers'. This legacy was used to produce Vols. III, IV, V, VIII, and IX of the British Association Tables.

The committee held its final meeting on 23 June 1948, its assets and liabilities, including the residue of the Cunningham bequest, being transferred to the Royal Society on 30 June 1948.

Custodial History

Wilkes served on the Committee, 1939-1948, and had in turn received them from Dr. J.C.P. Miller, the last secretary of the committee, 1945-1948.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Deposited by Professor M.V. Wilkes, FRS, in 1977 through the Contemporary Scientific Archives Centre.

Title
Papers relating to the British Association Mathematical Tables Committee
Status
Published
Author
Collection Level Description by Lawrence Mielniczuk; EAD version 2021 by Catherine McIlwaine
Date
EAD version 2021
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin

Repository Details

Part of the Bodleian Libraries Repository

Contact:
Weston Library
Broad Street
Oxford OX1 3BG United Kingdom