Amerikai Magyar Szó, 1979. július-december (33. évfolyam, 27-49. szám)

1979-09-20 / 35. szám

Thursday, Sept. 20. 1979.

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AMERIKAI MAGYAR SZO

JOHN NEUMANN

Following his university studies in Budapest and Zurich, John Neumann, although he graduated in chemical engineering, devoted his whole life to mathematics, He was granted a Doctor s Degree in the latter by the Budapest “Pázmány Peter” University of Sciences in 1927 and he later worked at the Berlin and Hamburg universities. Then in 1931 he became a member of the faculty of Princeton University, going on to the Institute for Advanced Study.From 1955 until his death he was a member of the Atomic Energy Commission. In 1956 he was awarded the Fermi Prize.

Neumann started his work in mathematical logics and set theory, and he is now thought of as the man who gave precision to this theory. What he did to clarify operator algebra theory was similarly significant. In quantum theory, the mathematical foundation of the measurement theory of physical quantities was his greatest achievement. For this he derived the definition of “pure quantum mechanical conditions”. Neumann was also largely responsible for advances made in the theory of games and for development of operational research.

Neumann’s efforts were a critical contribution to the development and acceptance of electronic computers. He fully understood the unique importance of these machines and predicted their wide use. He elaborated the most essential principles of the electronic computers including the use of the binary system, programme storage, instruction scheme, and . automatic program modification. He took part in experiments aimed at the release of nuclear energy, and if his results in this field as well as those in theoretical physics, are taken into account, the portrait of a great 20th century scientist is clear. John Neumann was undoubtedly one of the greatest mathematician of this century. The importance of his activities went far beyond the limitations of his own discipline, in the strictest sense of the term, and he greatly contributed to the scientific and technological revolution of our age.

1. JONIAC COMPUTER

2. BACKGROUND MEMORY

3. HIGH-SPEED MEMORY

4. OUTPUT UNITS

S. ARITHMETIC UNIT 6: CONTROL UNIT

7. INPUT UNITS

8. COMPUTER BRAIN CELL

AN INVITATION TO THE READERS OF HERITAGE

♦

The Editorial Board of Heritage and of the Hungarian Word, also the Hungarian Culture Club of New York invite you to attend a

CULTURAL PROGRAM AND DINNER SUNDAY, OCTOBER 21st, 1 PM at the St.George Parish House,

207 E 16 St. New York,NY. /near Third Ave./

FEATURING well-known pianist

Delicious Hungarian meal will be served. Tickets can be obtained for $ 6.- by calling /212/ 254-0397 or preferably by mailing your check to the offices of Heritage,

130 E 16 St. New York,NY 10003.

BOOK CHOICE

The Lawful Revolution

Louis Kossuth and the Hungarians, 1848-1849

By ISTVÁN DEÁK

"The revolution of 1848 is Hungary's most celebrated historic event," writes István Deák. "Generations of Hungarians have lived in the aura of that unforgettable year. It unites the people as much as it divides them. It is the source of national pride but also of selfdoubt and questioning."

The principal actor of the drama was Louis Kossutn, and the story of the revolution is here told in terms of his towering personality. In him, Deak says, Hungarians recognize their spokesman and their hero but also the symbol of much that they see as calamitous in the national character: excessive pride, a penchant for theatrical gestures, naivete, and easy enthusiasm.

The Lawful Revolution is both a üiography and a political and social history: an engaging account of the longest and bloodiest conflict of Europe's great revolutionary era. using many previously untapped sources,

DeaK shows what political alternatives Kossuth and his major rivals, Count Batthyány and General Görgey, offered' the nation and now they led the country through tne most momentous eighteen .months of its history.

Tne author answers many controversial questions that surrounu the perion. Dia the peaceful revolutionaries of 1848 set their sights too high? Qauid tne ensuing ethnic conflict ana tne war with Austria nave Been avoidec—or won? Was the Russian intervention necessary for Hungary to be aereaceb?

Why was the Western wond indifferent to Hungary's plight during the war, whereas it íionizea Kossuth in exiie?

Deak depicts a remarkable chapter in European history: tne story of u broken revolt that became tne inspiration of htar.y liberals and democrats.

István Dea«c is professor or history at Columbia university.

A PRESENT TO VIETNAM

Four hundred books in foreign languages have been presented to Vietnamese research institutes, after an exhibition in Hanoi to mark the 150th anniversary of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences and the 30th anniversary of the Academy’s publishing wing, Akadémia Kiadó.

HOTEL THERMAL BUDAPEST MARGARET ISLAND A unique combination of luxury hotel and health spa in a spectacular island location in the very heart of Budapest For information contact:

IBUSZ HUNGARIAN TRAVEL RUREAU 630 Fifth Avenue NEW YORK,NY 10020