The Mathematician and the Cat

January 15, 2023 8:18 AM

In the last year I read about a mathematician or scientist who wanted to credit his cat for helping him with much of his work. I believe he lived in the 19th century. Publishers refused, but eventually, after his death, a statue was erected of him and his cat together.

This has nothing to do with F.D.C. Willard. It wasn't a joke and it wasn't a mistake. I thought it was Ludwig Boltzmann, but apparently not.

Anyone know this piece of historical trivia?

posted by Winnie the Proust to Science & Nature (3 answers total)

Best answer: It was 20th century and not 19th but you may be thinking of Kuri Knorozov

Monument in Mexico
posted by Schmucko at 8:26 AM on January 15, 2023 [6 favorites]

Knorozov is who I thought of -- I've seen viral posts about him shared online.
posted by rollick at 9:53 AM on January 15, 2023 [1 favorite]

Response by poster: Yep, that's it. Thank you!
posted by Winnie the Proust at 10:23 AM on January 15, 2023 [1 favorite]