The collection includes Minute Books (1929-1948), Annual Reports (1896, 1923-1939, 1948 & Final Report), correspondece 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
- 1871-1948
Extent
8 boxes
Language of Materials
- English
Preferred Citation
Oxford, Bodleian Libraries [followed by shelfmark and folio or page reference, e.g. MSS. Eng. misc. c. 676].
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
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 to promote the understanding of science, the British Association also 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 Col. A.J.C. Cunningham (member of the Committee 1895-1901, Secretary 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 British Association 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.
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 Col. A.J.C. Cunningham (member of the Committee 1895-1901, Secretary 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 British Association 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.
Other Finding Aids
A fuller description and detailed index are available in the Library.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
The papers were received from Professor M.V. Wilkes, FRS, who served on the Committee 1939-1948, and who had in turn received them from Dr. J.C.P. Miller, the last Secretary of the Committee 1945-1948.
- Title
- Papers relating to The British Association Mathematical Tables Committee
- Status
- Completed
- Author
- Lawrence Mielniczuk
- 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
specialcollections.enquiries@bodleian.ox.ac.uk
Weston Library
Broad Street
Oxford OX1 3BG United Kingdom
specialcollections.enquiries@bodleian.ox.ac.uk