On the position of mathematics and mathematicians in industrial research before 1945. (Q2468666)

Taking up the stages in the interrelations between mathematics, science and production introduced by H. Wussing in 1975 the author, R. Tobies, considers the use of statistical methods in the electrical engineering company Osram in Berlin as an example of the stage defined as a fusion of the three fields mentioned above. Based on laboratory reports and other sources she gives a thorough analysis of the application of statistical methods on problems of mass production which emerged with the production of lamps and tubes in large numbers. At first Tobies views shortly on the research activities at the Osram company and focuses then her attention on the application of statistical methods. She describes the first beginnings in statistical quality control in the USA and treats the publications of the first textbook on these problems in 1927 in Germany. The book was written by three authors, one former employee and two actual employees of the Osram company at that time. In the light of some concrete problems Tobies gives an idea of the use of statistical methods in the Osram company in the twenties and thirties of the last century. She shows that in this field of research there was a close cooperation between industry and universities, which was cut off in the mid 1930s due to the Nazi regime. A special interest in the story is given to Iris Runge (1888--1966) and the role of female researchers. The position of I. Runge is compared with that of mathematical researches in other industrial laboratories.