Peter Guthrie Tait
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Peter Guthrie Tait was a Scottish mathematical physicist and early pioneer in thermodynamics. He is best known for the mathematical physics textbook Treatise on Natural Philosophy, which he co-wrote w
Photograph of Tait in 1870, with signature
Tait, photographed in the 1860s
A postcard to Tait from James Clerk Maxwell
Tait's memorial plaque and grave marker at St Johns Episcopal Church, Edinburgh
Knot theory
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In topology, knot theory is the study of mathematical knots. While inspired by knots which appear in daily life, such as those in shoelaces and rope, a mathematical knot differs in that the ends are j
Peter Guthrie Tait
…best known for the mathematical physics textbook Treatise on Natural Philosophy, which he co-wrote with Lord Kelvin, and his early investigations into knot theory. His work on knot theory contributed to the eventual formation of topology as a mathematical discipline. His name is known in graph theory mainly for…
Examples of different knots including the unknot (top left) and the trefoil knot (below it)
Intricate Celtic knotwork in the 1200-year-old Book of Kells
The first knot tabulator, Peter Guthrie Tait
A 3D print depicting the complement of the figure eight knot by François Guéritaud, Saul Schleimer, and Henry Segerman