A scientific notebook compiled by World War Two codebreaker and computer science pioneer Alan Turing has sold for $1.025 million in New York, the BBC reports.
The recently discovered notebook in Turing’s own hand dates from 1942 when Turing was working to break the Nazi Enigma code at Bletchley Park. It is believed to be the only extensive Turing manuscript in existence.
It features 56 pages of notes on the foundations of computer science. Turing entrusted the document to mathematician Robin Gandy.
“Alan Turing was parsimonious with his words and everything from his pen has special value,” scholar Andrew Hodges told the BBC.
“This notebook shines extra light on how, even when he was enmeshed in great world events, he remained committed to free-thinking work in pure mathematics.”
Turing is believed to have committed suicide in 1954, although in recent years some accounts have attributed his death to an accident.
The story of his life was the subject of last year’s Oscar-winning film The Imitation Game, although that, too, has been the subject of controversy, with some commentators criticising the movie for being historically inaccurate. See, Movie adds insult to injury in the Turing story.
Originally published by Cosmos as Alan Turing’s notebook sells for $1 million
Bill Condie
Bill Condie is a science journalist based in Adelaide, Australia.
Read science facts, not fiction...
There’s never been a more important time to explain the facts, cherish evidence-based knowledge and to showcase the latest scientific, technological and engineering breakthroughs. Cosmos is published by The Royal Institution of Australia, a charity dedicated to connecting people with the world of science. Financial contributions, however big or small, help us provide access to trusted science information at a time when the world needs it most. Please support us by making a donation or purchasing a subscription today.
