Alexander Yule Fraser
Alexander (Alec) Yule Fraser (1857–1890) was a Scottish mathematician, one of the founders of the Edinburgh Mathematical Society.
Alexander Yule Fraser | |
|---|---|
 Kennedy-Fraser grave in Grange Cemetery, Edinburgh | |
| Born | 3 May 1857 |
| Died | 9 November 1890 (aged 33) |
| Alma mater | University of Aberdeen |
| Known for | Founder of Edinburgh Mathematical Society |
| Spouse(s) | Marjory Kennedy-Fraser |
| Children | David Kennedy Fraser Helen Patuffa Hood |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Mathematics |
| Institutions | George Watson's College |
Life and work
Fraser studied at the University of Aberdeen[1] where he graduated in 1881. After that, he was appointed Mathematical Master at George Watson's College (Edinburgh).[2] In 1889 he was appointed Headmaster at Allan Glen's School (Glasgow) but he remained only two months because a severe pleurisy forced him to leave Scotland going to South Africa in search of a better climate. Back to Scotland, his health deteriorated rapidly and died in Glasgow thirty three years old.
Alec married the singer Marjory Kennedy-Fraser in 1887 and they had a couple, David (1888–1962) and Helen Patuffa (1889–1967). David Kennedy Fraser became a psychologist, educator and amateur mathematician. Patuffa was a singer and musician, as her mother.
Fraser is mainly remembered for being one of the founding fathers of the Edinburgh Mathematical Society.[3]
References
- Mann & Craik 2011, p. 99.
- Hartveit 2011, p. 1.
- Hartveit 2011, p. 12.
Bibliography
- Hartveit, Marit (2011). "The lesser names : the teachers of the Edinburgh Mathematical Society and other aspects of Scottish mathematics, 1867–1946". Doctoral Thesis. University of St. Andrews. hdl:10023/1700.CS1 maint: ref=harv (link)
- Mann, A.J.S.; Craik, A.D.D. (2011). "Scotland. Land of opportunity but few rewards". In Raymond Flood; Adrian Rice; Robin Wilson (eds.). Mathematics in Victorian Britain. Oxford University Press. pp. 77–102. ISBN 978-0-19-960139-4.CS1 maint: ref=harv (link)