MacTutor
Frank Adams
Times obituary
Mathematician and Fell Walker
Professor Frank Adams, FRS, holder of the Lowndean Chair of Astronomy and Geometry at Cambridge University since 1970, and one of the world's leading pure mathematicians, has died in a road accident at the age of 58.
Adams was elected Fellow of the Royal Society after he had set alight the field of algebraic topology by solving problems during the 1960s, which had resisted the attack of established experts for many years.
He was at this time at Manchester University, first as Reader and then as Fielden Professor. So powerful was his influence that Manchester remains involved with research in algebraic topology to this day.
Adams's forte was discovering hidden orders amongst complicated calculations. His work on developing the algebraic system now known as the Adams Spectral Sequence ensures his name will live on.
Yet a student, upon entering his office, was as likely to find him practicing rock-climbing moves on the furniture as immersed in abstruse mathematics.
He always showed great concern for his students' work, and, interspersed with brilliant research papers, he wrote textbooks such as Lectures on Lie Groups (1969) and Infinite Loop Spaces (1978), which were mainly expository and designed to introduce budding mathematicians to difficult but fascinating subjects. Adams's presence was prized at conferences around the world, not only for his criticisms, advice, and lectures—which, should they fall on April 1, could be full of puckish surprises—but also because of his enthusiasm for walking and climbing expeditions, at which he excelled.
He had many friends and collaborators abroad, especially in the United States, which he visited repeatedly
John Frank Adams was born on November 5, 1930, and educated at Bedford School and Trinity College, Cambridge. He subsequently became director of studies in mathematics at Trinity Hall until 1961, when he went to Manchester.
Adams strongly believed in the causes of peace and justice, setting himself high standards of honesty, integrity, and attainment, and expecting others to do likewise.
He is survived by his wife, Grace, one son, and three daughters.
Mathematician and Fell Walker
Professor Frank Adams, FRS, holder of the Lowndean Chair of Astronomy and Geometry at Cambridge University since 1970, and one of the world's leading pure mathematicians, has died in a road accident at the age of 58.
Adams was elected Fellow of the Royal Society after he had set alight the field of algebraic topology by solving problems during the 1960s, which had resisted the attack of established experts for many years.
He was at this time at Manchester University, first as Reader and then as Fielden Professor. So powerful was his influence that Manchester remains involved with research in algebraic topology to this day.
Adams's forte was discovering hidden orders amongst complicated calculations. His work on developing the algebraic system now known as the Adams Spectral Sequence ensures his name will live on.
Yet a student, upon entering his office, was as likely to find him practicing rock-climbing moves on the furniture as immersed in abstruse mathematics.
He always showed great concern for his students' work, and, interspersed with brilliant research papers, he wrote textbooks such as Lectures on Lie Groups (1969) and Infinite Loop Spaces (1978), which were mainly expository and designed to introduce budding mathematicians to difficult but fascinating subjects. Adams's presence was prized at conferences around the world, not only for his criticisms, advice, and lectures—which, should they fall on April 1, could be full of puckish surprises—but also because of his enthusiasm for walking and climbing expeditions, at which he excelled.
He had many friends and collaborators abroad, especially in the United States, which he visited repeatedly
John Frank Adams was born on November 5, 1930, and educated at Bedford School and Trinity College, Cambridge. He subsequently became director of studies in mathematics at Trinity Hall until 1961, when he went to Manchester.
Adams strongly believed in the causes of peace and justice, setting himself high standards of honesty, integrity, and attainment, and expecting others to do likewise.
He is survived by his wife, Grace, one son, and three daughters.
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