Edward Kasner papers, 1897-2004 (bulk)
Collection context
- Creator:
- Kasner, Edward, 1878-1955
- Extent:
- 5.33 Linear Feet One 7" wide legal MsB; One OS flat box and One OS folder that needs to be placed in a map case
- Language:
- English .
- Scope and content:
-
Personal and professional papers of mathematics professor Edward Kasner (1878-1955). Materials include biographical content about Kasner, correspondence, lectures and writings, many newspaper clippings, much information related to his popular book "Mathematics and The Imagination" (1940), sketch books, and an outline for a children's book about mathematics called "Mathematics for Caroline". Material dating after his death consists of tributes, correspondence about a relative trying to get his children's book published, and information about him and the term "googol" which he coined in 1940.
- Biographical / historical:
-
Edward Kasner (April 2, 1878 – January 7, 1955) was an American mathematician who was appointed Tutor on Mathematics in the Columbia University Mathematics Department. Kasner was the first Jewish person appointed to a faculty position in the sciences at Columbia University. Subsequently, he became an adjunct professor in 1906, and a full professor in 1910, at the university. Differential geometry was his main field of study. In addition to introducing the term "googol", he is known also for the Kasner metric and the Kasner polygon.
In 1940, with James R. Newman, Kasner co-wrote a non-technical book surveying the field of mathematics, called Mathematics and the Imagination (ISBN 0-486-41703-4). It was in this book that the term "googol" was first popularized. (content rom wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edward_Kasner)
Access and use
- Restrictions:
-
Material is unprocessed. Please contact rbml@columbia.edu for more information.
- Terms of access:
-
Single reproductions may be made for research purposes. It is the responsibility of the user to secure permission for publication or use from the appropriate copyright holder.
- Preferred citation:
-
Identification of specific item; Date (if known); Edward Kasner Papers; Box and Folder; Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Columbia University Library.
- Location of this collection:
- Before you visit:
- Researchers interested in viewing materials in the RBML reading room must must book an appointment at least 7 days in advance. To make the most of your visit, be sure to request your desired materials before booking your appointment, as researchers are limited to 5 items per day.
- Contact:
- rbml@library.columbia.edu