Mathemagician

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A mathemagician is a mathematician who is also a magician.

The name "mathemagician" was probably first applied to Martin Gardner, but has since been used to describe many mathematician/magicians, including Art Benjamin[1], Persi Diaconis[2], and Raymond Smullyan. Diaconis has suggested that the reason so many mathematicians are magicians is that "inventing a magic trick and inventing a theorem are very similar activities."[3]

Several fictional characters have also been called mathemagicians, such as Martin Gardner's "Victor Eigen."[4] Additionally, a character in The Phantom Tollbooth is known only as "The Mathemagician."

A mathemagician, voiced by Hank Azaria was also prominently featured at Martin Prince's birthday party in the Simpsons episode Grade School Confidential.

[edit] References

  1. ^ Albers, Donald J. "Art Benjamin - Mathemagician." Math Horizons, November 1998, 14-18.
  2. ^ Albers, Donald J. "Professor of Magic Mathematics." Math Horizons, February 1995, 11-15.
  3. ^ Diaconis, Persi. Quoted in: Albers, Donald J. "Professor of Magic Mathematics." Math Horizons, February 1995, 11-15.
  4. ^ Gardner, Martin. New Mathematical Diversions from "Scientific American." Chicago: University of Chicago Pr., 1984.