A fascinating look at Cambridge during the Victorian era

Many famous scientists and mathematicians are profiled, among them G. Green, G.G. Stokes, J.C. Adams, W. Thomson (Lord Kelvin), A. Cayley and J.C. Maxwell, and many lesser-known figures too, including the first professors in Australia and the tutor to an Indian maharajah. In addition, and as a special highlight, Hopkins’ own collection of portraits of his top students, attributed to the artist T.C. Wageman, are published here – in colour – for the first time.

Scholarly yet non-technical, this is a fascinating look at Cambridge during the Victorian era that is accessible to anyone with an interest in the history of science and mathematics; the history of education; the interaction of science and religious belief; the history of Cambridge University; and Victorian Britain generally.

Alex DD Craik is a graduate of St Andrews and Cambridge. For many years he taught applied mathematics at St Andrews University, where he is presently an emeritus professor. His two main areas of research are fluid mechanics and the history of mathematics and its applications. Most of his current research is on the history of mathematics and mathematicians, with a focus on the late 18th and 19th centuries. Several of his publications relate to Scottish-born or Scottish-based mathematicians. He has written a monograph, "Wave Interactions and Fluid Flows" (CUP, 1985) and numerous research papers in journals such as "Historia Mathematica" and "Notes and Records of the Royal Society of London".

Alex DD Craik
Mr Hopkins' Men: Cambridge Reform and British Mathematics in the 19th Century 2008, Approx. 425 p. 78 illus., 48 in color.
Softcover EUR 39.95; $49.95; £25.00; ISBN: 978-1-84800-132-9