[Maths-Education] Sad news: Brian Griffiths

[Jones D.K.]

Colleagues in Mathematics and in Mathematics Education,
 
We are sad to report that Brian Griffiths (Professor Emeritus,
University of Southampton) died suddenly on Wednesday 4 June 2008. 

Brian was a pioneer in many ways. He will be remember for the books and
monographs that he wrote, often with teachers in mind. In these he
looked at classical mathematics from a contemporary viewpoint (for
example, his book 'A comprehensive textbook of classical mathematics',
written with Peter Hilton, and his chapters on analysis in the SMP
'Companion to Advanced Mathematics') and he provided introductions to
advanced mathematical topics, such as Topology (ATM monograph, 1967),
Surfaces (CUP 1976), and Mathematics of Models (with Adrian Oldknow,
1993). 

Brian, along with Geoffrey Howson, pioneered work on the relationship
between mathematics and society. Their book "Mathematics: society and
curricula" remains important.

At Southampton Brian pioneered, and supported the development of,
undergraduate mathematics options on the history of mathematics, the
mathematics curriculum, problem solving and investigations, mathematical
modelling, and student-directed projects. These developments were
influential in undergraduate mathematics education and encouraged other
institutions to begin similar courses.

Above all, Brian was a supremely nice person always willing to share his
expertise. He never stopped being active in mathematics education and it
is fitting that the current issue of the Mathematical Gazette (dated
March 2008, vol 92, issue 523) contains a piece by Brian on the Golden
Ratio. The article provides an address for messages. Brian will be sadly
missed.

Keith Jones
University of Southampton