TURING (ALAN M.) 'On Computable Numbers, with an Application to the Entscheidungsproblem'; 'On Computable Numbers... A Correction' [Extracted from the Proceedings of the London Mathematical Society, ser. 2, vol. 42 and 43, 1937]
Lot 219•
TURING (ALAN M.)
'On Computable Numbers, with an Application to the Entscheidungsproblem'; 'On Computable Numbers... A Correction' [Extracted from the Proceedings of the London Mathematical Society, ser. 2, vol. 42 and 43, 1937]
Sold for £ 205,250 (US$ 257,833) inc. premium

Lot Details
TURING (ALAN M.)
'On Computable Numbers, with an Application to the Entscheidungsproblem'; 'On Computable Numbers... A Correction' [Extracted from the Proceedings of the London Mathematical Society, ser. 2, vol. 42 and 43, 1937], 2 offprints, the first INSCRIBED TO R.B. BRAITHWAITE IN TURING'S HAND on upper wrapper, the second with Braithwaite's ownership inscription, stapled in pale green printed wrappers, yapp edges lightly toned and chipped, first mentioned with wrappers split at head and foot of spine [Origins of Cyberspace 394], large 8vo, [London Mathematical Society, 1937] (2)

Footnotes

  • One of the most important twentieth century computer papers, in which Turing introduces the concept of a computing device that would replicate the mathematical reasoning abilities and thought processes of the human brain. In 1933, Turing had the rare honour as an undergraduate of being invited to read to the Moral Science Club at Cambridge - an event noted by the philosopher R.B. Braithwaite in the Club's minutes.

    In a letter from Princeton dated 22 February, 1937, Turing wrote to his mother that "Braithwaite at Kings" had asked for a "reprint" of On Computable Numbers, and that "possibly it is making a certain amount of impression". Turing presumably sent the present item to fulfil the request.

    Provenance: R.B. Braithwaite (1900-1999); Professor Timothy Smiley.

Saleroom notices

  • Please note that in the first offprint, the stapled text block is detached from the wrapper.
Activities
Auction information

This auction is now finished. If you are interested in consigning in future auctions, please contact the specialist department. If you have queries about lots purchased in this auction, please contact customer services.

Buyers' Obligations

ALL BIDDERS MUST AGREE THAT THEY HAVE READ AND UNDERSTOOD BONHAMS' CONDITIONS OF SALE AND AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THEM, AND AGREE TO PAY THE BUYER'S PREMIUM AND ANY OTHER CHARGES MENTIONED IN THE NOTICE TO BIDDERS. THIS AFFECTS THE BIDDERS LEGAL RIGHTS.

If you have any complaints or questions about the Conditions of Sale, please contact your nearest customer services team.

Buyers' Premium and Charges

For all Sales categories excluding Wine, Coins & Medals and Motor Cars and Motorcycles:

Buyer's Premium Rates
25% on the first £175,000 of the Hammer Price
20% from £175,001 to £3,000,000 the Hammer Price
12.5% from £3,000,001 of the Hammer Price

VAT at the current rate of 20% will be added to the Buyer's Premium and charges excluding Artists Resale Right.

Payment Notices

For payment information please refer to the sale catalogue.

Shipping Notices

For information and estimates on domestic and international shipping as well as export licences please contact Bonhams Shipping Department.

Lot symbols
• Exempt from tax

Zero rated for VAT, no VAT will be added to the Hammer Price or the Buyer's Premium.
Contacts
  1. Luke Batterham
    Specialist - Books, Maps, Manuscripts and Historical Photographs
    Bonhams
    Work
    Montpelier Street
    London, United Kingdom SW7 1HH
    Work +44 20 7393 3828
    FaxFax: +44 20 7393 3879
Similar Items