A doctoral dissertation supervised by Felix Klein at the University of Göttingen marked the entry of Alexander Witting into the professional mathematical community in 1886. Born in Dresden in 1861, Witting established a career that bridged the divide between traditional grammar school pedagogy and the evolving rigor of twentieth-century German scientific instruction.
Academic Formation and Early Teaching
Witting completed his final examinations at the Kreuzschule in Dresden in 1880 before attending the Polytechnikum Dresden. By 1885, he earned credentials to teach mathematics, physics, and geography. His academic progression included a pivotal probationary year at the Thomasschule in Leipzig, during which he attended seminars led by Felix Klein. This collaboration culminated in his 1886 doctoral accreditation from the Georg-August-Universität in Göttingen.
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Take the IQ test →Contributions to Educational Reform
Appointed to the Kreuzschule in December 1886, Witting remained there throughout his professional career. He actively engaged in the movement to reform mathematics and science education, notably collaborating with Felix Klein on projects for the International Mathematics Education Commission. In 1910, he authored a comprehensive study on the state of mathematics instruction within the Saxon school system. Along with Walther Lietzmann, he co-published the Mathematisch-Physikalische Bibliothek, producing several widely circulated booklets on calculus to support secondary school curricula.
Military Service and Later Life
During World War I, Witting served as a major, overseeing gas defense training and technical education for officers, which prompted his 1916 publication of Soldaten-Mathematik. Following his retirement, he lived through the political upheaval of the National Socialist era. Despite being classified under the Nuremberg Laws, he remained largely undisturbed due to his prior service. His final contribution, a call to preserve the structure of secondary schooling, was published in 1946 following his death in Dresden.
Fast facts
- Born: 1861, Dresden
- Died: 1946, Dresden
- Doctorate: 1886, University of Göttingen
- Primary Occupation: Mathematician and teacher
- Military Rank: Major
- Notable Publication: Soldaten-Mathematik (1916)
- Professional Association: Natural Scientific Society ISIS
- Educational Focus: Calculus and secondary school reform
Questions readers ask
What subjects did Alexander Witting teach?
He was qualified to teach mathematics, physics, and geography at the secondary school level.
Did Witting pursue interests outside of mathematics?
Yes, he was an active musician and painter, frequently participating in musical circles beyond his immediate family and colleagues.
Achievements
- Fields: mathematics and history of mathematics
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