Alexander Aitken, born on January 1, 1895, in New Zealand, was the eldest of seven siblings. He grew up in Dunedin, where he displayed exceptional mathematical abilities from a young age. Aitken's passion for numbers was evident early on, and he excelled in his studies at school, particularly in algebra and statistics.
After completing his secondary education, Aitken went on to study at the University of Otago. It was here that he further developed his mathematical skills and honed his expertise in algebra. His academic achievements earned him a scholarship to pursue postgraduate studies at the University of Edinburgh, where he completed his Ph.D. in mathematics.
During his career, Aitken made significant contributions to the fields of algebra and statistics. His groundbreaking work in these areas earned him recognition as a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1936. Aitken's research and publications solidified his reputation as a brilliant mathematician with a keen analytical mind.
Despite his professional success, Aitken faced personal struggles throughout his life. His remarkable memory, which served him well in his mathematical endeavors, proved to be a double-edged sword. Aitken's vivid recollections of the horrors he witnessed during the war often led to periods of depression, as he struggled to come to terms with the trauma he had experienced.
Despite these challenges, Aitken remained dedicated to his work and continued to make significant contributions to the field of mathematics. His legacy lives on through his groundbreaking research and writings, which continue to inspire mathematicians and scholars around the world.
Alexander Aitken passed away on November 3, 1967, leaving behind a lasting impact on the field of mathematics.