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In order to mark the centenary of Alan Turing’s birth, two of his mathematical research papers, believed to have been written whilst he was at Bletchley Park during World War II, have been released by GCHQ to The National Archives. |
Due to the sensative nature of the work done at GCHQ, the papers were not released earlier.
We are delighted to release these papers showing more of Alan Turing’s pioneering research during his time at Bletchley Park. It was this type of research that helped turn the tide of war and it is particularly pleasing that we are able to share these papers during this centenary year.
GCHQ spokesperson
The two papers are called “Paper on Statistics of Repetitions’ and ‘The Applications of Probability to Crypt’.
Paper on Statistics of Repetitions
In this paper Turing writes an informal report in which he works out the best statistical method of testing whether two cipher messages use the same key in parts of the message.
The Applications of Probability to Crypt
In this second paper, Turing applies rigorous probability analysis to coding problems of the day. One highlight is where Turing uses life expectancy to examine conditional probability. The associated example, “Hitler is now age 52”, adds piquancy and suggests that the paper was written between April 1941 and April 1942.
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I just ordered an estimate on these papers as it would seem the only way to view them is by having the National Archive copy and mail them to you. These would be very interesting papers to review.
Thanks ajb!
my quote reply
Thank you for your enquiry for copies of HW 25/37 and or HW 25/38.
Due to the high demand for copies of these particular files they have been digitised and will be made available to purchase from our new Discovery service in digital download format. This will also provide you with the most cost effective method of obtaining your copies.
We would expect these two files to be accessible though Discovery on Tuesday 1st May.