The Letter That Changed Mathematics

The Rest Is Science

Goalhanger

Science, Physics, Mathematics

4.5 • 1K Ratings

🗓️ 4 December 2025

⏱️ 33 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

How did pages of mysterious “gibberish” sent from Madras find their way to one of Cambridge University’s most respected mathematicians? Were the strange formulas the work of a deluded mind - or breakthrough insights of an unknown genius?The author of that letter was Srinivasa Ramanujan. His story inspired two Hollywood blockbusters (Goodwill Hunting, The Man Who Knew Infinity) but his mind changed the shape of mathematics forever.Welcome to The Rest Is Science: Field Notes.Every Thursday, Hannah and Michael rummage through their personal troves of scientific treasure and source discoveries that explain our understanding the universe, oddities that scramble our brains, objects that hint at forces we’ll never see...and a few things that are essentially just plain cool.Expect deep dives into the science behind each pick, the spark that grabbed their attentions, and the sheer delight they get from sharing it all with you.They’ll also be tackling your questions, so email The Rest Is Science at therestisscience@goalhanger.com ------------------- For more information about Cancer Research UK, their research, breakthroughs and how you can support them, visit ⁠⁠https://cancerresearchuk.org/restisscience⁠⁠ Cancer Research UK is a registered charity in England and Wales (1089464), Scotland (SC041666), the Isle of Man (1103) and Jersey (247). A company limited by guarantee. Registered company in England and Wales (4325234) and the Isle of Man (5713F). Registered address: 2 Redman Place, London, E20 1JQ. EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/restisscience Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee 🌍 ------------------- Find The Rest Is Science all over the internet by ⁠clicking here.⁠ -------------------Video Producer: Adam ThorntonVideo & Social: Bex TyrrellAssistant Producer: Imee MarriottProducer: Becki HillsSenior Producer: Lauren Armstrong-CarterHead Of Digital: Samuel OakleyExec Producer: Neil Fearn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcript

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0:00.0	This episode is brought to you by Cancer Research UK.
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0:44.2	scientists, doctors and nurses pushing knowledge forward to save and improve lives worldwide.
0:49.9	You know, over the last 50 years, the work that this charity has done has helped to double cancer survival in the UK.
0:58.8	And you have to think about that is more parents at the dinner table, right?
1:02.2	That is more friends at their birthday parties.
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1:07.8	For more information about Cancer Research UK, their research,
1:12.3	breakthroughs, and how you can support them, visit Cancer Research, UK.org, forward slash
1:17.5	restis science. Welcome to the rest is science. This is field notes, a kind of expedition diary where Hannah and I track the discoveries, curiosities, riddles, and questions that have excited our minds recently.
1:37.5	Now, what have you got for me today, Hannah?
1:39.6	Okay. Today I want to talk to you about, and I read this an exaggeration, one of the most important pieces of paper in the history of mathematics.
1:47.0	Oh, good.
1:48.0	It's a big deal. I got to go and see it. I haven't got it with me today because I think it's locked behind about 15 doors under continual armed guard. I'm joking.
	...

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