Omaha daily bee., 1910-04-02
DOES FOURTEEN MEMS WORK
Arthur r. Griffith and some Of HIs
Remarkable stunts in
Mathematics,


Lightning calculators have periodically
appeared during the past two or three
centuries. Some have developed their
powers precociously and as Infant prodi-
giles" have astounded all who came in con-
tact with them But usually this prema-
ture development, involving such an un-
naturally great strain on the young mind.
resulted either in an ultimate dimminR of
the intellect to a state about equal to the
normal mental capacity. or aggravated
brought on an early dotage.
! Others Of these mathematical wizards
born. with an inherent attraction for fig
ures, have progressed by comparatively
rapid although not precipitate, stages
una with q more naturally developed
system they are able at twenty, at thirty
and at forty years to outstrip easily all
! competitors in the race with figures.
To this latter class, 1t now appears. be-
longs Arthur F. Griffith, known on the
vaudeville stage as Marvellous Griffith. ~
This young mamie has yet to attain his
thirtieth year-is possessed OF extraordi-
nary powers of mental calculation, has a
remarkable memory for figures, and is
able to carry on several mathematical
operations in his mind at the same time
The truly wonderful part of his story lies
in the fact that he is a product of the
farm.
Without pen, pencil, or paper; without
slate, blackboard, or chalk, this wizard
of figures can raise figure to the sixth
power in about eleven seconds; can multi
ply three figures by three figures in five
seconds, can multiply nine figures by nine
figures in eight seconds. Griffith deals in
millions and quadrillions rather than in the
ordinary digits. But this figure faculty
of his has grown so wondrousy that its
great development has rendered difficult
the proper cultivation OF other mental fac
ulties. Thus Griffith's aptitude is for fig
ures entirely, rather than for conversa-
tion on any general current theme In fact,
he lives in figues. Walking, he stimuli
taneously calculates distance. time, and
energy. His distance he reduces to inches,
time to seconds and in computing his ex-
penditure Of energy the problem winds its
solution in his conception of the size of his
next meal. Again, his narrOwness of COM
prehension in general matters is illustrated
for Griffiths meals all are built around
ham and eggs, mainly eggs,
For years he has been the bewllderment
OF mathematical and psychological profess
sors In Americas foremost seats Of learn
ing. Membels of these departments OF
Harvard and Yale universities have quizsed
him on his capacities for mental calcula-
ton. Chicago and Indiana universities,
Armour institute, and Northwestern uni
versty, too, have experienced his mar
velous work.
Within few days he convinced many
skeptics among the mathematical and
psychological professors at Harvard that
he is possessed OF the powers which he
claims. AS a result of this exhibition. IN
which twoscore OF professors were aligned
against him and shot at him friendly
broadsides of queries and problems involv-
ing every phase of mathematical calcula-
ton except the fourth dimension" he re-
ceived from Prof. Hugo Munsterberg, pro
fessor in psychology a testimonial OF his
feat.
Griffith is always ready with demonstra-
uons Of his marvellous power. He rattles
forth a succession of words and figures
mainly figures-forming his query and be-
fore one can follow him has il answered.
The following include few suggestions
which he makes for an examination In
mathematics. He claims TO have the an
swer to each at his tongues end:
What is the compound interest on 1
cent at per cent from the birth Of Christ
to the present date and how far would
that many silver dollars reach in the air II
placed flat and against each other on every
square foot of clear and level tile floor
o. 900 miles in circumference?
(Which numbers with six figures TO each,
raised to the sixteenth power, make 2Ss, 6sl
the last six figures and what is the six
teenth powers of each Of those numbers?
What is the sum of twenty-five numbers
with twenty-five digits each that always
will divide two with the exponent twenty
five out evenly with only two Of the .digits
In each number?
What two sums of all numbers from
upward added makes a sum OF all numbers
from / upward; substracted leave e sum OF
all numbers from upward. and multiplied
make a sum Of all numbers from 1 upward
added?
How many standpipes 25,OOO miles In
circumference (the distance around the
earth) and s24OOOOO miles deep the dis
tance between the earth and SUM would be
| required to hold one vrgintilllon drops OF
water II It required 6l,4 drops of water to
make one gallon"
Light mental exercises" Mr., Griffith
characterl1es these
In connection with his wonderful memory
| IL Is interesting, perhaps to note that
! Griffith claims 20 be able readily TO recall
numbers by reason OF sort OF mental
Geographic operation. He says that the
mention Of a number is followed by its ap-
pearance before his minds eye, literally
and that then there is communicated Il
him the one system Of the 1900 which h'
has evolved TO aid him properly in an ex
peditiously correct solution.-New Yorl
Times
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