IDENTITY STATEMENT
Reference code(s): GB 0098 KMATH
Held at: Imperial College of Science Technology and Medicine
Title: Mathematics Department of Imperial College
Date(s): Created 1903-1981 (ongoing)
Level of description: Series of Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine records
Extent: 5 boxes
Name of creator(s): Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine
CONTEXT
Administrative/Biographical history:
The Department of Mathematics can be traced to the teaching of Mechanical Science at the Government School of Mines and of Science (later the Royal School of Mines), established in 1851. A department of Applied Mechanics was established, and renamed the Division of Mathematics and Mechanics in 1881 on the formation of the Royal College of Science, of which the Royal School of Mines was a constituent college. Mathematics was also taught at the City and Guilds College from its establishment in 1885. In 1912, it was decided that there would be one Professor of Mathematics for Imperial College, and the departments were amalgamated. Research undertaken in the Department of Mathematics led to the establishment of the Centre for Computing and Automation in 1966. In 1970 the centre became the Department of Computing and Control, and then the Department of Computing in 1979.
CONTENT
Scope and content/abstract:
Records of the Department of Mathematics of Imperial College, 1903-1981, including histories of the department from 1910-1955; lecture notes, 1903-[1946]; report on the computer engine, 1948-1952; departmental correspondence, 1908-1947, notably of Professor John Perry, Professor Andrew Russell Forsyth, Professor Sydney Chapman, with the administration department, 1908-1928; proposed Mathematics Institute, 1947; Committee papers relating to departmental organisation, 1912-1926; Rectors' correspondence, 1955-1981, notably relating to the headship of the department.
ACCESS AND USE
Language/scripts of material: English
System of arrangement:
The records are arranged in sections as outlined in the scope and content.
Conditions governing access:
Researchers wishing to consult the Archives should first contact the College Archivist, Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine, Exhibition Road, London SW7 2AZ, for an appointment.
Conditions governing reproduction:
A photocopying service is available at the discretion of the Archivist. Photocopies are supplied for research use only. Requests to publish original material should be submitted to the Archivist.
Physical characteristics:
Finding aids:
A catalogue is available at the College Archives.
ARCHIVAL INFORMATION
Appraisal, destruction and scheduling information:
Accruals:
Archival history:
Created and accumulated by Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine during the course of business.
Immediate source of acquisition:
ALLIED MATERIALS
Existence and location of originals:
Existence and location of copies:
Related material:
Records of the Computer Unit and the Department of Computing and Control (KCU), Interdisciplinary Centres and Courses (KO), Department of Education and Science Records (AB), records relating to the University of London (UL), papers of Professor Andrew Russell Forsyth (B/FORSYTH), held at Imperial College.
Papers of John Perry, comprising correspondence with Sir Oliver Lodge held at University College London Manuscripts Room (reference: MS ADD 89), and correspondence with Lord Kelvin, 1882-1902, held at Cambridge University Library.Papers of Sydney Chapman, comprising correspondence and papers, 1962-1970, held at the Bodleian Library, Oxford (reference: MS Eng misc c 851); papers held at the University of Alaska, EE Rasmuson Library; correspondence with Sir Edward Bullard, 1933-1968, held at the Churchill Archives Centre, Cambridge (reference: BLRD); correspondence with Lord Cherwell, 1919-1952, held at Nuffield College Library, Oxford (reference: Cherwell papers).
Publication note:
DESCRIPTION NOTES
Note:
Archivist's note: Sources: National Register of Archives. Compiled by Julie Tancell as part of the RSLP AIM25 project.
Date(s) of descriptions: October 2000