RichardsonianExtrapolation (^zhurnal 18 Apr 2002) brings to mind Forman Acton's splendid text Numerical Methods That Work, wherein Lewis Richardson's clever technique is explained in a generalized form.

Acton's tome is a delightful read. I discovered it as an undergraduate in 1973, and it opened my eyes to a host of powerful problem-solving techniques. It also lodged in my mind deeply enough to earn a place on a short list of influential titles that I came up with early in the ^zhurnal learning process. (BooksToConsider (16 Apr 1999))

In addition to a perfect blend of theory and practice, Acton offers a splendid mix of gravity and levity. Take the external appearance of the first edition hardback of Numerical Methods That Work: the red fabric bears the book's title in bright silver letters, deeply embossed. But look closer, and before the word "Work" you find, faintly pressed into the cover, "Usually".

TopicHumor - TopicScience - 2002-04-21

(correlates: BooksToConsider, DailyPresents, OnIrreducibility, ...)