John Tukey

One of the most influential statisticians of the 20th century, John Tukey spent much of his career working on computer technology. He coined the terms “software” and “hardware.” Tukey is also credited with the first use of the word “bit” (a combination of the words “binary” and “digit”) to describe a unit of information in computing.

Later, Tukey used his expertise to show how the APS could increase the number of younger, more active Members. Ever irreverent, he did the math to determine APS Members’ average age of death. Tukey used those statistics to argue for changing the Society’s Membership structure.

 

One of John Tukey’s most important contributions to computing was the fast Fourier transform (FFT). FFT allows data to be compressed rapidly. This algorithm is what makes it possible to stream videos on phones and computers today!

black typewritten text on white paper

Bell Laboratory Memo with the First Use of the Word “Bit,” John Tukey, 1947, Carbon copy on paper, APS. Herman Heine Goldstine Papers.

black and red typewritten text on white paper

“The Pattern of Age at Death for Resident Members of the American Philosophical Society,” John Tukey, 1971, Electrostatic print on paper, APS. John W. Tukey Papers.

photograph of a man (John Tukey) in front of a blackboard

Photograph of John Tukey, Elizabeth Menzies, c. 1960, Reprint of photograph, APS.