A small collection of papers of the mathematician Douglas Hartree, which includes biographical information, and copies of working papers and publications relating to the differential analyser and stored program computers.
Douglas Rayner Hartree Collection
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- Cite this description
- Bookmark:http://archiveshub.jisc.ac.uk/data/gb133-nahc/har
- This material is held at
- ReferenceGB 133 NAHC/HAR
- Dates of Creation1935-1958
- Name of Creator
- Language of MaterialEnglish
- Physical Description1 box (30 items)
- LocationCollection available at University Archive and Records Centre, main University Library.
Scope and Content
Administrative / Biographical History
Professor Douglas Rayner Hartree (1897-1958) was one of the most influential mathematicians and computer pioneers of his day, whose work bridged both the calculating machine and electronic digital eras. As Beyer Professor of Applied Mathematics at Manchester University in the mid 1930s, Hartree built a differential analyzer based upon the machine of the American, Vannevar Bush. Hartree's international reputation ensured that he kept in close touch with American developments, and during the Second World War he became involved with the ENIAC project. On his return to England (where he had accepted a chair at Cambridge University) Hartree publicised American activities and was an enthusiastic supporter of British efforts to build stored program computers.
Access Information
The collection is open to any accredited reader.
Bibliography
M.V. Wilkes' introduction to Hartree, Calculating Machines etc. (Cambridge, Mass.; MIT Press, 1984).