Alexander Buchan (mathematician) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Alexander Fairley Buchan
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| Born | 1904 Edinburgh, Scotland
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| Died | 10 January 1976 (aged 71–72) Edinburgh, Scotland
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| Alma mater | University of Edinburgh |
| Scientific career | |
| Thesis | Linear Combination of Data with Least Error of Differences (1939) |
| Doctoral advisor | Alexander Aitken |
Alexander Fairley Buchan MBE FRSE (born in 1904, died in 1976) was a smart Scottish mathematician. He spent most of his life teaching math to students. He even earned a special award called the MBE. This was for helping train teachers in India.
In 1939, he earned his PhD in mathematics. He also became a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh in 1940. This is a group of top scientists and thinkers.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Alexander Buchan was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, in 1904. He went to Sciennes School in Edinburgh starting in 1916. Later, he attended George Heriot's School from 1916 to 1922.
At George Heriot's, he did very well in many subjects. These included English, Mathematics, German, Science, and Dynamics. After school, he went to the University of Edinburgh. He studied there from 1922 to 1926. He graduated with a first-class BSc degree.
Teaching Career
After university, Buchan became a mathematics teacher. He taught at James Gillespie's High School in Edinburgh until 1930. Then, he moved to the Royal High School, Edinburgh.
In 1935, he became the main math teacher at James Gillespie's High School for Girls. His last teaching job was at Moray House College of Education. There, he was the main lecturer in mathematics. In 1941, he gave a talk about how math helps students.
Awards and Memberships
Alexander Buchan received several important awards and joined special groups.
Helping Teachers in India
The Scottish Education Department sent Buchan to India. He helped with a special program to train teachers there. For his great work, he was given the MBE award.
Math Societies
In 1927, he joined the Edinburgh Mathematical Society. This group is for people who love math. In 1940, he became a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh. This is a very respected group for scientists.
War Service
During World War II, Buchan served in the Royal Air Force for three years. He was a Squadron Leader and Commandant in the Air Training Corps in Scotland. His efforts during the war were recognized in 1946. This was part of the King's 1946 Birthday Honours.
Scottish Freemasons
Buchan was also part of the Scottish Freemasons. He held an important role as the grand secretary. He served in this position from 1948 to 1971.
See also
- 1946 Birthday Honours
