Documents mainly the professional life of F.N. David, although a scattering of personal items is included. Personal papers include notes and drawings from university course work, a high school autograph book, and some correspondence. Professional papers include curriculum vitae, writings, speeches, correspondence, photographs, research notes and calculations, lecture notes and background materials, and information regarding her work with the British armed forces during World War II and the United States on security issues after the war.

F.N. (Florence Nightingale) David was born on August 23, 1909 in Ivington, England. She graduated from Bedford College for Women in 1931 with a degree in Mathematics. Her intention was to become an actuary in the insurance business, but she found she could not be hired because she was a woman. Frustrated, she sought out Karl Pearson at University College in London and began graduate studies and work as his research assistant. While working on her PhD she became an assistant lecturer in the Statistics Department at University College and worked closely with Jerzy Neyman and Egon Pearson. Together they launched a new statistical journal called Statistical Research Memoirs. Encouraged by Neyman after Karl Pearson died, she completed her PhD in 1938.

Number of containers: 10 cartons and 1 oversize folder. Linear feet: 12.5

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Collection is open for research.