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(1857-05-03)3 May 1857
Died9 November 1890(1890-11-09) (aged 33)
Alma materUniversity of Aberdeen
Known forFounder of Edinburgh Mathematical Society
Spouse(s)Marjory Kennedy-Fraser
ChildrenDavid Kennedy Fraser
Helen Patuffa Hood
Scientific career
FieldsMathematics
InstitutionsGeorge 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

  1. Mann & Craik 2011, p. 99.
  2. Hartveit 2011, p. 1.
  3. 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)
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