About this Item
Toronto, Canada: The University of Toronto Press, 1928. 2 volumes, complete. This is an INSCRIBED PRESENTATION copy to the American inventor Thomas Edison from Canadian mathematician John Charles Fields. SEE PHOTOS. The inscription reads "To Dr. Thomas Alva Edision With the compliments of the Organizing Committee of the International Mathematical Congress of 1924, together with an expression of grateful appreciation and esteem for one whose discoveries and inventions have done so much to better and beautify the world in which we live (signed) J. C. Fields Chairman of the Organizing Committee." SEE PHOTOS. The ink stamp of "Thomas A. Edison, Inc, Research Engineering Department" appears in 3 places in each volume. Also laid in each volume is a printed slip confirming the source: i.e. from the library of Edison's youngest son, Theodore M. Edison. SEE PHOTOS. There is no NOBEL PRIZE for mathematics. The closest analog is the FIELDS MEDAL for outstanding achievement in mathematics, named for the editor of this set, John Charles Fields [1863-1932, See Dictionary of Scientific Biography, p. 617). The FIELDS MEDAL is presented only once every four years at the International Congress of Mathematicians. (If you are like me, you probably never heard of the FIELDS MEDAL until it was featured in the 1997 film GOOD WILL HUNTING, nominated for 9 Oscars including Best Picture. It starred Robin Williams (Best Supporting Actor), Matt Damon and Ben Affleck (Best Original Screenplay), and Minnie Driver. In the movie fictional MIT professor Gerald Lambeau, played by Stellan Skarsgård, is described as having been awarded a FIELDS MEDAL for his work in combinatorial mathematics). Fields presented this 2 volume set to Thomas A. Edison, the "Wizard of Menlo Park," and recipient of a record 1,093 patents. Among Edison's inventions are the electric light, phonograph, movie camera, vacuum diode, carbon microphone, the system for electric power distribution, and the alkaline storage battery used for submarines and electric vehicles. In 1912, Edison designed the self-starter battery introduced on Henry Ford's iconic Model T automobile. These two volumes are uniformly bound in the original gilt stamped dark blue cloth. SEE PHOTOS. Oversize Hardcover. This extra large, very heavy 2 volume set (nearly 15 pounds before packaging) will require SUBSTANTIAL postage that will be charged at our cost, depending on destination. Signed by John C. Fields (FIELDS MEDAL founder). First Edition. Oversize Hardcover. Near Fine condition. Illus. by NOT a library discard. 2 volumes: 935pp + 1,006pp. Great Packaging, Fast Shipping.
Seller Inventory # 026844
Contact seller
Report this item
