Instead of Einstein being the honorary hero of the day, we have a John the Baptist figure: Simon Newcomb, who was born on a March 12 and was an out of the box mathematician. Mr. Newcomb was born 44 years before Einstein. Like John B, the mother load of scientific glory was to rest upon a later chosen one to represent Pi: Al Einstein.
Newcomb was a Canaydiyank, born in Nova Scotia, yet became an American citizen and subsequently joined the US Navy. Newcomb was also a self taught mathematician and discovered Benford's Law in 1881 before Benford, who wrote in about in 1938. Another fun fact on this spin off of Pi Day concerns his daughter, Anita, was the founder of the US Army Nurse Corps.
Like Einstein, Newcomb was interested in the speed of light. Simon also conducted an experiment to determine its value. So it is so, very appropriate that the glory of Pi Day be spread out a little more to Canada and the US as well. Now the US Navy has a Pi Day hero!
No comments:
Post a Comment