Mathematician (1903–1957) who made contributions to nearly every technical field and made major strides in game theory and nuclear physics. Rare TLS signed “John,” one page, 8.5 x 11, Princeton letterhead, October 6, 1947. Letter to physicist and computer pioneer John Mauchly regarding research into computer coding. In part: “Many thanks for your letter of October 3 regarding the paper by Booth and Britten on coding for an automatic relay computer. Although the paper was put out in the name of the Institute it was actually prepared, mimeographed, and distributed by them as individuals. We have no copies of this report except for personal copies of Herman and myself. I would accordingly suggest that you write directly to Dr. Andrew D. Booth…I am looking forward to receiving the mimeographed copies of your code and examples. Both Herman and I are very much interested in your work in this direction.” A few scattered creases, toning to the upper right corner and top edge, two punch holes to the bottom, and a few pencil notations, otherwise fine condition.
Von Neumann writes to John Mauchly, the designer of ENIAC, the first electronic general-purpose computer. A founding figure in computer science and the inventor of linear programming, von Neumann consulted on the development of both the ENIAC and EDVAC computers. In the letter, he mentions Herman Goldstine, another ENIAC designer, as well as Andrew Booth and Kathleen Britten, British computer scientists who developed the first electronic computers in the United Kingdom. A fine and decidedly scarce letter with excellent content regarding the work of other pioneering computer scientists. RRAuction COA.
