Wartime codebreaker Alan Turing's invaluable scientific papers, forgotten in a loft for years, are set to be auctioned, with a rare PhD dissertation estimated to fetch £40,000-£60,000. The collection includes Turing's seminal 1937 work, introducing a universal computing machine. Originally gifted by Turing's mother to Norman Routledge, the papers were nearly destroyed before being preserved due to their historical significance. A family reunion led to the recognition of their value, marking a rediscovery of Turing's legacy.
The incredible archive, tipped to rake in tens of thousands, includes a rare signed copy of Turing's 1939 PhD dissertation, Systems Of Logic Based On Ordinals.
Norman Routledge's family considered shredding Turing's papers but ultimately decided to preserve them after realizing their historical significance.
The papers lay dormant until Routledge's sister moved into a care home nearly a decade later, prompting her daughters to discover the forgotten archive.
One of Routledge's nieces emphasized how important he was as a person, providing insight into his lasting impact on family and friends.
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