math magic pdf

Martin Gardner has had no formal education in mathematics, but he has
had an enormous influence on the subject. His writings exhibit an extraor-
dinary ability to convey the essence of many mathematically sophisticated
topics to a very wide audience. In the words first uttered by mathematician
John Conway, Gardner has brought “more mathematics, to more millions
than anyone else."

In January 1957, Martin Gardner began writing a monthly column called
“Mathematical Game” inScientific American . He soon became the influen-
tial center of a large network of research mathematicians with whom he cor-
responded frequently. On browsing through Gardner’s old columns, one is
struck by the large number of now-prominent names that appear therein
Some of these people wrote Gardner to suggest topics for future articles;
others wrote to suggest novel twists on his previous articles. Gardner per-
sonally answered all of their correspondence.
Gardner’s interests extend well beyond the traditional realm of mathe-
matics. His writings have featured mechanical puzzles as well as mathe-
matical ones, Lewis Carroll, and Sherlock Holmes. He has had a life-long
interest in magic, including tricks based on mathematics, on sleight of hand
and on ingenious props. He has played an important role in exposing char-
latans who have tried to use their skills not for entertainment but to assert
supernatural claims. Although he nominally retired as a regular columnis
at Scientific American in 1982, Gardner’s prolific output has continued.
                             Click Hear