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Controversy Over 140-Year-Old Math Problem

Posted by kdawson on from the did-so-did-not dept.

sciencehabit writes "British mathematician Darren Crowdy has been bragging all week about how he solved a 140-year-old math problem, as we discussed a few days ago. But three American mathematicians say they had the critical idea first."

3 of 64 comments (clear)

  1. Darren isn't one to brag by GuyMannDude · · Score: 4, Insightful

    I object to the use of the word 'bragging' in the summary. I went to grad school with Darren (his office was 3 doors down from mine) and he was a great all-around guy. He was someone you could joke around with and I never saw any indication of him being a braggard. It's possible that he's changed significantly in the last 10 years, but I see nothing in TFA that would suggest this. He made what is potentially a significant contribution. Why shouldn't he be aloud to be proud of it?

    GMD

    --
    watch this
  2. Re:It wasn't obvious until it was pointed out by urcreepyneighbor · · Score: 3, Insightful

    Basicaslly, the American Team was clueless until someone pointed out the obvious to them, now they want the credit. Fail. Quick! Patent it and make money!
    --
    "The fight for freedom has only just begun." - Geert Wilders
  3. Re:-50 off-topic by japhmi · · Score: 3, Insightful

    Moral of the story:
    It's not just philosophy majors who end up as waitresses.

    --
    "Giving money and power to government is like giving whiskey and car keys to teenage boys" P. J. O'Rourke