An engaging and captivating Enlightenment Lecture was delivered by Sarah Hart, Professor of Geometry at Gresham College, entitled ‘Florence Nightingale and the Mathematics of Illness’, chaired by Henry (Upper Sixth, Harcourt).
With great enthusiasm, Professor Hart explored the remarkable story of Florence Nightingale, highlighting how her ground-breaking use of statistics revolutionised the treatment of British soldiers during the Crimean War. The students discovered how a simple pie chart could save thousands of lives – and how, when misinterpreted, statistics can lead to disastrous consequences. With her trademark wit, Professor Hart shared amusing anecdotes about powerful figures who have misread statistics, often leading to the spread of misinformation.
The lecture was both entertaining and enlightening, offering a fascinating look at the crucial link between mathematics, medical hygiene, and treatment, leaving everyone with a deeper appreciation of how numbers can shape the world.
