Source: University of Glasgow
Source: University of Glasgow
The most important part of MacRobert's research started in the middle of the 1930s when he discovered the generalised exponential, E-function. From 1938 onwards MacRobert produced a whole series of works on the properties of the E-function and integrals with E-functions.
Beginning with work on a treatise on the functions of a complex variable published in 1917, Thomas MacRobert, made many investigations on the properties of the special functions of mathematics and wrote over 70 papers on the subject. Much of his work was related to the hypergeometric function and the E-function.
He also wrote on spherical harmonics, Bessel functions; and infinite series.
Mathematician
Born 4 April 1884, Dreghorn, Scotland.
Died 1 November 1962.
Thomas Murray MacRobert (1884-1962) was a graduate of the University, a Euing Fellow, Ferguson Scholar and William Jack Prizeman who was Professor of Mathematics, 1927 to 1954. He was awarded an LLD in 1955 and he was Dean of Faculties from 1958 to 1961.
Born in Ayrshire, MacRobert studied at the University (MA, 1905) and at Trinity College, Cambridge. He returned to Glasgow in 1910 as a lecturer and then as Professor, leaving only to serve as a Lieutenant in the Royal Garrison Artillery during the First World War. He won international recognition for his research in a number of fields, most particularly on the hypergeometric function and for his discovery of the E-function. He was a founder member of the Glasgow Mathematical Association.
University Link: Alumnus, Dean of Faculties, Honorary Graduate, Professor
GU Degrees: LLD, 1955; MA, 1905; BSc, 1905; DSc, 1917;
Discover more mathematicians on the University of Glasgow Story website
1938
MacRoberts developed extensively the theory of the special functions, especially E-function, which arise in the mathematical analysis of physical problems.
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Oxford DNBWorld Changing Project, 'Discovery of the E-function', University of Glasgow World Changing, University of Glasgow, Oct 2010; [http://www.worldchanging.glasgow.ac.uk/article/?id=62, accessed 5 December 2023]
Chicago (notes)World Changing Project, "Discovery of the E-function," in University of Glasgow World Changing (University of Glasgow, 2010); http://www.worldchanging.glasgow.ac.uk/article/?id=62 (accessed December 5, 2023).
Chicago (bibliography)World Changing Project. "Discovery of the E-function." In University of Glasgow World Changing. University of Glasgow, 2010. http://www.worldchanging.glasgow.ac.uk/article/?id=62 (accessed December 5, 2023).
MLAWorld Changing Project. "Discovery of the E-function." University of Glasgow World Changing. University of Glasgow, 2010. 5 December 2023 <http://www.worldchanging.glasgow.ac.uk/article/?id=62>.
