The creation of the NPL Mathematics Division
Mary Croarken · 2005
Abstract In April 1945, the journal Nature announced that the National Physical Laboratory would ‘extend its activities by the establishment of a Mathematics Division’. The new Mathematics Division was intended to act as a ‘central mathematics station’ and was the first of the three main centres of early electronic computer development in Britain. The Division had two main functions: to undertake research into new computing methods and machines, and to provide computing services and advice to government departments and industry. It was soon providing a national computing service, and became a leading centre for numerical analysis. This chapter sets the stage for these developments in computing, focusing on the circumstances surrounding the creation of the NPL Mathematics Division. Four questions are addressed: why was a central mathematics station needed? Why was it established at the NPL? Why was John Womersley chosen as superintendent? And finally, to what extent did the NPL Mathematics Division succeed as a central mathematics station?