John von Neumann and Materials Science
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I presume that many of you will be surprised to learn that John von Neumann, a great mathematician, and a remarkable man, had even a passing interest in materials science since his name is usually associated with work in function theory, mathematical logic, the mathematical foundations of quantum mechanics, game theory, and of course with the development of computer logic. Actually, he was deeply interested in the evolution of materials science and technology, and he played an important role in giving prominence to materials science at a critical time in its evolution. But first let me tell you a little about his life. John von Neumann was born in Budapest, Hungary, in 1903 into a prominent business family. His mathematical genius was recognized early by his high school teacher, Lazslo Ratz, who insisted that he receive special tutoring since mathematical geniuses tend to flower early. He became a close and, indeed, a lifetime friend of a slightly older fellow student, Eugene Wigner, who was inspired by the same mathematics teacher. The two of them frequently wandered home together after school, with von Neumann providing a tutorial on some aspect of mathematics while Wigner, who had a comparably brilliant mind, absorbed everything. The two students had different personalities, but shared a great love of mathematics. Von Neumann was never a narrow genius. He soaked up knowledge of all kinds rapidly and was exposed to much because the von Neumann family dinner gatherings were devoted to discussions of technical, historical and cultural affairs, as well as business. This great versatility in
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interests was a characteristic trademark of von Neumann's entire life. His parents preferred that he receive a technical education before going into the family banking business, so he dutifully went first to Berlin, then in 1921 to Zurich to study chemistry and chemical engineering. There is little doubt, however, that his primary personal goal was to become a mathematician. Evidence indicates that while he absorbed all the knowledge of chemistry needed to remain honest to his parent's wishes, he spent most of his time with the best mathematicians in Berlin, both learning and creating. Anecdote has it that the great mathematician, Herman Weyl, who was then at the polytechnic institute in Zurich, quickly recognized von Neumann's genius and joined with von Neumann in persuading his parents to let him go his own way, leaving his brother to enter the family business.
Von Neumann and Wigner frequently wandered home together after school, with von Neumann providing a tutorial on some aspect of mathematics. So, in 1926, after completing all his chemistry degrees, he accepted a research fellowship in mathematics, provided by an American foundation, at the Uni-
versity of Goettingen. At that time Goettingen was probably the greatest mathematical center in Europe, if not in the world. Von Neumann was in his element and well on the road to success. Central Europe was politically turbulent during that period. He saw the emergence of t
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