In the "Complete Dictionary of Scientific Biography | 2008" there is a biography of Benjamin Peirce, written by Carolyn Eisele that begins:
"In an address before the American Mathematical Society during the semicentennial celebration of its founding in 1888 as the New York Mathematical Society, G. D. Birkhoff spoke of Benjamin Peirce as having been “by far the most influential scientific personage in America” and “a kind of father of pure mathematics in our country.”" A copy of which can be found here: http://www.encyclopedia.com/topic/Benjamin_Peirce.aspx However, G.D. Birkhoff, in many respect's Benjamin Peirce's heir as leading American mathematician, was born only in 1884. This would make him only 4 years old at the time and so it seems likely that there is an error in this account. I suggest that Eisele is confused and means in fact G.D. Birkhoff made this statement in September 1938, the actual semicentennial celebration of the AMS. Any thoughts or comments welcome. Regards, Steven
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