- This topic is empty.
-
-
Thomas Fuller: The Enslaved Genius Known as the ‘Virginia Calculator’
In 1724, at the tender age of 14, Thomas Fuller, an African man, was forcibly sold into slavery and brought to Virginia, USA. Despite the harsh circumstances, he gained widespread acclaim for his extraordinary mental arithmetic skills, earning the moniker “Virginia Calculator.” His remarkable ability to solve complex mathematical problems without paper or tools captivated onlookers, showcasing a brilliance that transcended his enslavement.
One notable instance highlighted his prodigious talent. When challenged to calculate the number of seconds in a year and a half, Fuller pondered for just two minutes before delivering the precise answer: “47,304,000.” In another feat, he was asked to determine the seconds a man had lived if he were 70 years, 17 days, and 12 hours old. Within a mere 90 seconds, he responded with “2,210,500,800,” leaving his audience in awe.
Skepticism arose when another individual, laboring over the problem with pen and paper, claimed Fuller’s second answer was incorrect, suggesting a significantly lower figure. Undeterred, Fuller calmly countered, “Top, massa, you forget de leap year.” Upon recalculating to include leap years, the critic’s result aligned perfectly with Fuller’s, affirming his accuracy and reinforcing his reputation as a mathematical prodigy.
-
- You must be logged in to reply to this topic.