TURING (ALAN)
Autograph letter signed ("A.M. Turing"), to his former mathematics teacher D.B. Eperson ("Dear Eperson"), describing his work on computers at Manchester University: "My duties are almost entirely concerned with the use of the electronic computers there. One has been made by the Engineering Dept of rather Heath Robinson type and another is being made for Ferranti's. There is a possibility that a copy of the latter will be exhibited at the Fest. of Britain. It is most entertaining work: one can make these machines do almost anything one wants, at any rate anything which one could explain rules for working out"; the letter prompted by the publication of a new edition of Eperson's "puzzle book", of which Turing orders two copies and sends a cheque for 7/-; he also gives news of a visit to "a friend of mine by the name of Gandy" down at Cerne ("...unfortunately did not realise how close you were or I could have come over..."), and describes his present set-up ("...I have now got a home here, about 12 miles from Manchester and in pleasant country within reach of Derbyshire hills. My garden is about ½ acre and is likely to keep me busy at week-ends..."); mathematical calculation written in pencil below signature, presumably by the recipient, 2 pages, very light dust-staining on verso, 4to, Hollymeade, Adlington Road, Wilmslow, [? summer 1950]