'Mathematicians at War' Subject of Dunham Lecture

SALISBURY, MD---Mathematics goes to war when William Dunham - internationally known mathematician who has been heard on BBC Radio and National Public Radio – speaks about the dramatic feud between two of the world’s greatest minds, England’s Sir Isaac Newton and Germany’s Gottfried Leibniz, in the next offering of Salisbury State University’s 75th Anniversary Lecture Series.

"Dunham finds math fascinating, not just for the subject matter, but also for the personalities involved,” said Dr. Lee May, Jr., SSU mathematics professor. “He wants to tell the public what it’s all about.”

Dunham’s lecture, “Mathematicians at War,” is Wednesday, February 28, at 7 p.m. in the Wicomico Room of the Guerrieri University Center. The event is free and the public is invited.

Math phobics need not worry. Dunham – who lectures for a popular audience – has a reputation as an outstanding storyteller. 

The Muhlenberg College professor also has received national and international recognition for his ability to write math books that are easily accessible and enjoyed by laymen.

Dunham’s books are Euler: The Master of Us All (1999), The Mathematical Universe (1994), and Journey Through Genius: The Great Theorems of Mathematics (1990). 

The Mathematical Universe and Journey were alternate selections for the Book-of-the-Month Club and were translated into Spanish, Italian, German and Japanese. The Mathematical Universe also received a Best Mathematics Book Award from the Association of American Publishers.

Because of his success, Dunham has received invitations to speak on the history of mathematics at a number of U.S. colleges and universities; the Australian Mathematical Society in Hobart, Tasmania; the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C.; NPR's "Talk of the Nation: Science Friday" as well as the BBC Radio. 

For information call 410-543-6030, or visit the University's Web site at