File 2 - The Schoolgirl Problem

Identity area

Reference code

MacMahon/B/2

Unique identifier

GB 275 MacMahon/B/2

Title

The Schoolgirl Problem

Date(s)

  • 1902–1911 (circa.) (Creation)

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11 items paper

Context area

Name of creator

(1844-1916)

Biographical history

Watson was commissioned lietenant of the Royal Engineers in 1866, having studied at Trinity College, Dublin, and trained at the Royal Military Academy, Woolwich. He served under General Gordon in the Sudan, 1874-1875, where he was involved in surveying work. Deputy-Inspector-General of Fortifications, 1896-1902. Became a member of the Royal Geographical Society in 1875. After his retirement from the military, Watson acted as British Government Delegate to International Navigation Congresses, 1902-1908. Became Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Palestine Exploration Fund, 1905.

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Manuscript letters and mathematical formulae concerning the solution of the schoolgirl problem. Property of Charles M. Watson. The 'schoolgirl' problem is a problem in the branch of combinatorics, proposed by Rev. Thomas Penyngton Kirkman in 1850. Kirkman stated the problem as follows: fifteen young ladies in a school walk out three abreast for seven days in succession: it is required to arrange them daily so that no two shall walk twice abreast.

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