Identity area
Reference code
Title
Date(s)
- 1960-1986 (Creation)
Level of description
Extent and medium
1.56 m
Context area
Name of creator
Biographical history
Computer programmer, mathematician and editor Harry L. Nelson was born in Topeka, Kansas, on January 8, 1932. Attended local schools and graduated from Harvard College, A.B. Math, in 1953. Served two years in U.S. army. Received M.A. in math from Kansas University in 1957. Taught, worked at several jobs in industry and became a computer programmer at University of California's Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. Retired in 1991. Discovered, with David Slowinski, the then largest known prime number in 1978. Editor of the Journal of Recreational Mathematics for five years; currently on the editorial board. Became associated with the Cray Blitz computer chess programming endeavor with Robert Hyatt. Cray Blitz won the Computer Chess World Championship in 1983 and retained the title until 1989. Founded the Minimax Game Corporation in 1972, whose present charter is to serve as a "think tank" for games; has devoted full time to the puzzle and game business since 1992. There are currently 20 mechanical puzzles and/or games on the U.S. market for which he has made substantial contributions.
Archival history
Donated by Harry L. Nelson in 1994
Immediate source of acquisition or transfer
Content and structure area
Scope and content
Fonds consists of correspondence between H.L. Nelson and various persons relating to puzzles and games and to Journal of Recreational Mathematics during period when H.L. Nelson was editor of the journal.
Appraisal, destruction and scheduling
Accruals
System of arrangement
Conditions of access and use area
Conditions governing access
No restrictions on access.
Conditions governing reproduction
Language of material
Script of material
Language and script notes
Text in English.
Physical characteristics and technical requirements
Finding aids
File level inventory available at repository.
Allied materials area
Existence and location of originals
Existence and location of copies
Related units of description
Fonds is part of the Eugène Strens Recreational Mathematics Collection.