Arthur Hinton Read
(1920 - 2 Dec 1961)
mathematician who was recognized for his work in topology. While a Lecturer in Mathematics at St. Andrews University in Scotland, he maintained an avid interest in mountain climbing, and tragically died in an avalanche in Scotland.
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Science Quotes by Arthur Hinton Read (1 quote)
We are concerned to understand the motivation for the development of pure mathematics, and it will not do simply to point to aesthetic qualities in the subject and leave it at that. It must be remembered that there is far more excitement to be had from creating something than from appreciating it after it has been created. Let there be no mistake about it, the fact that the mathematician is bound down by the rules of logic can no more prevent him from being creative than the properties of paint can prevent the artist. … We must remember that the mathematician not only finds the solutions to his problems, he creates the problems themselves.
— Arthur Hinton Read
In A Signpost to Mathematics (1951), 19. As quoted and cited in William L. Schaaf, 'Memorabilia Mathematica', The Mathematics Teacher (Mar 1957), 50, No. 3, 230. Note that this paper incorrectly attributes “A.H. Head”.
See also:
- A Signpost to Mathematics, by Arthur Hinton Read. - book suggestion.