Date: Tue, 28 May 1996 17:36:14 -0500
Subject: Re: Nobel nuttiness


>     A gossipy tidbit about the Nobel Prizes.  The reason
>that there is not one in mathematics (much to the disgruntlement
>of mathematicians who sometimes sneak in on the physics and now
>the econ ones) is that Nobel's wife ran off with a famous
>mathematician whom old Alfred was afraid might receive one if
>he created one.  No way was he going to let that come about.
>Barkley Rosser

The mathematician was Mittag-Leffler, who proved some important results in
complex analysis. The Fields Medal, given only once every four years and
only to mathematicians under 40, is their substitute. Unfortunately, the
last Fields Medal was given to a physicist, provoking much disgruntlement.

Rahul




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