David Fowler

I first met David in the early 1970s when I taught mathematics at Coventry College of Education, now absorbed into the University of Warwick. I remember him giving a series of lectures to mathematics teachers on the foundations and history of mathematical ideas (I cannot remember the exact title) which I found quite thrilling.

Much later, when I took over the job of membership secretary and publicity officer for the British Society for the History of Mathematics, David would write to me after almost every News Sheet I sent out, usually to offer suggestions for improvements. To the extent that these regular letters to members improved while I was responsible was largely due to David. Attention to detail was as important in a matter like a publicity sheet as it was in his mathematics. Of course, his criticisms were always offered with the utmost good humour, which was the very mark of the man.

I always enjoyed meeting David at BSHM meetings, and he especially enjoyed the ‘Research in Progress’ February meetings in Oxford where research students present short talks on their work in progress. David was greatly admired for his knowledge and wisdom but especially for his wit. I think we are all affected by those we meet in life and I feel I am a better person for having known David.

Chris Weeks