Tait inspiration

Recent articles and letters have been referring to a certain lack of focus on science education in schools.

Famous Scots include James Clark Maxwell, a statue of whom is at the east end of George Street in Edinburgh.

However, another Scot, mathematical physicist, Peter Guthrie Tait FRSE, remains virtually  unknown in comparison.

He was born in Dalkeith in 1831 and died in 1901. He worked with Kelvin and developed the important mathematical speciality of topology, which is key to the needs of contemporary mathematicians.

Perhaps more might be made of such figures, thus stimulating greater interest in science studies for our school children and even, might I add, their teachers too.

Tom Reilly

Esslemont Road

Edinburgh