Description:

Richard Feynman's Personally Owned NYU Pi Mu Epsilon Mathematics Award, Ex-Sotheby's, Ex-Richard P. Feynman Family

A Pi Mu Epsilon mathematics award presented to future Nobel Prize-winning physicist Richard P. Feynman (1918-1988), ca. 1935. The gold-filled medallion reads "Washington Square College of New York University" at top and "ΠME / Mathematics" along the bottom. The obverse depicts a lamp of knowledge. A white and purple lapel ribbon (the colors of New York University) is attached at top. Stamped verso. Expected wear commensurate with age, including a minor spot of verdigris just touching the top of the medal. The ribbon is fragile and there is a minor split as well as loose threads, else very good. Accompanied by the original Sotheby's auction tag. The medallion measures approximately 1.25" in diameter; the total with the ribbon measures 3.5" long. Ex-Sotheby's, Ex-Richard P. Feynman Family.

Though undated, this award was likely presented to Richard Feynman in 1935. Science historian Jagdish Mehra, who wrote the authoritative biography "The Beat of a Different Drum: The Life and Science of Richard Feynman" (Clarendon Press: 1994), recounts how Feynman won a math championship affiliated with NYU when he was a senior at Far Rockaway High School, a public school in Queens, New York. This was probably this Pi Mu Epsilon award.

Pi Mu Epsilon was established at Syracuse University in 1914. The society, which describes itself as promoting the study and advancement of mathematics, usually welcomes undergraduates, graduates, and faculty members. Members must have taken a minimum amount of coursework and maintained a certain grade point average. The delta, or fourth, chapter of Pi Mu Epsilon in New York State was established at New York University - Washington Square in 1933, where Feynman was a member. The organization still operates today, hosting an annual conference affiliated with the Mathematics Association of America, and also publishing a journal.

Richard Feynman had been teaching himself advanced algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and calculus since age 15. Feynman later earned his undergraduate degree at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and his doctorate from Princeton University.

Feynman was a co-winner of the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1965. His many contributions to the field of theoretical physics include research/discoveries in quantum computing, quantum mechanics, quantum electrodynamics, particle physics, nanotechnology, and the fluidity of elements based on temperature.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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