# Patterson Hume

> Canadian computer scientist and physicist (b. 1923, d. 2013)

**Wikidata**: [Q59204967](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q59204967)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patterson_Hume)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/patterson-hume

## Summary
Patterson Hume was a Canadian computer scientist and physicist who made significant contributions to the field of computing through his academic career at the University of Toronto. He was recognized as an Association for Computing Machinery Fellow in 1994 for his substantial contributions to computer science.

## Biography
- Born: March 17, 1923, in Brooklyn
- Nationality: Canadian (citizen of United States)
- Education: 
  - Bachelor of Arts (1941-1945) in mathematics and physics, University of Toronto
  - Master of Arts (1945-1946) in physics, University of Toronto
  - Doctor of Philosophy (1946-1949) in physics, University of Toronto
- Known for: Contributions to computer science education and research
- Employer(s): University of Toronto (1951 onwards), Rutgers University (1950-1951)
- Field(s): Computer science, physics

## Contributions
Patterson Hume developed foundational work in computer science during his tenure at the University of Toronto, where he served across multiple departments including Physics, Computation Centre, Institute of Computer Science, and Department of Computer Science. His research spanned theoretical and applied aspects of computing, bridging his physics background with emerging computer technologies. As an educator, he mentored students in both disciplines, contributing to the development of computer science as an academic field. His career demonstrated the evolution from physics to computing during the formative decades of electronic digital computers.

## FAQs
### Q: What were Patterson Hume's educational qualifications?
A: Patterson Hume earned a Bachelor of Arts (1945) in mathematics and physics, a Master of Arts (1946) in physics, and a Doctor of Philosophy (1949) in physics, all from the University of Toronto.

### Q: Where did Patterson Hume work during his career?
A: Patterson Hume began his career at Rutgers University from 1950-1951 before joining the University of Toronto in 1951. At the University of Toronto, he served in multiple departments including Physics, Computation Centre, Institute of Computer Science, and Computer Science.

### Q: What recognition did Patterson Hume receive in his field?
A: Patterson Hume was named an Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) Fellow in 1994, recognizing his significant contributions to the field of computing.

### Q: What happened to Patterson Hume's professional papers?
A: Patterson Hume's archives are preserved at the University of Toronto Archives & Records Management Services, accessible through their digital collections.

## Why They Matter
Patterson Hume represents a transitional figure between classical physics and modern computing, exemplifying how scientists adapted their expertise to emerging technological frontiers. His career at the University of Toronto spanned the critical period when computers evolved from theoretical concepts to practical tools across academic disciplines. By maintaining affiliations with both Physics and Computer Science departments, he helped establish computer science as a legitimate field of study, influencing curriculum development and interdisciplinary research approaches. His recognition as an ACM Fellow in 1994 underscores his impact on establishing computing as an academic discipline during its formative years.

## Notable For
- Fellow of the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) since 1994
- Long-standing professor at the University of Toronto across multiple departments
- Doctorate in physics with later transition to computer science
- Bridge figure between theoretical physics and applied computing
- Archives preserved at University of Toronto Archives & Records Management Services

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Patterson Hume, born James Nairn Patterson Hume on March 17, 1923, in Brooklyn, pursued his higher education at the University of Toronto where he earned multiple degrees in physics:
- Bachelor of Arts (1941-1945) in mathematics and physics
- Master of Arts (1945-1946) in physics
- Doctor of Philosophy (1946-1949) in physics

### Academic Career
Hume began his academic career at Rutgers University (1950-1951) before joining the University of Toronto in 1951. At the University of Toronto, he served across multiple departments including:
- Department of Physics
- Computation Centre
- Institute of Computer Science
- Department of Computer Science

### Professional Recognition
In 1994, Patterson Hume was honored as a Fellow of the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM), recognizing his substantial contributions to the field of computing throughout his career. This prestigious recognition is awarded to individuals with demonstrated achievements in computing science and information technology.

### Legacy
Patterson Hume's professional papers and archives are preserved at the University of Toronto Archives & Records Management Services, ensuring his academic legacy is maintained for future researchers. He passed away on May 9, 2013, leaving behind a legacy of interdisciplinary scholarship that bridged physics and computing during a transformative period in technological history.

## References

1. [Source](https://discoverarchives.library.utoronto.ca/index.php/james-nairn-patterson-hume-fonds)
2. [Source](https://awards.acm.org/fellows/award-recipients)
3. Virtual International Authority File
4. VIAF ID
5. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File