Mathematics Department of Imperial College

Identity Statement

Reference code(s)	: GB 0098 KMATH
Held at	: Imperial College of Science Technology and Medicine   Click here to find out how to view this collection at http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/recordsandarchives ›
Full 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 View parent record
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 & 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.

Finding aids:

A catalogue is available at the College Archives.

Archival Information

Archival history:

Created and accumulated by Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine during the course of business.

Immediate source of acquisition:

Allied Materials

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).

National Register of Archives: Click here to view NRA record

Publication note:

Description Notes

Archivist's note:
Sources: National Register of Archives. Compiled by Julie Tancell as part of the RSLP AIM25 project.

Rules or conventions:
General International Standard Archival Description, ISAD(G), second edition, 2000; National Council on Archives Rules for the Construction of Personal Place and Corporate Names 1997.

Date(s) of descriptions:
October 2000