Alwyn C. Scott, a longtime University of Arizona math professor and pioneer of nonlinear science, died Jan. 11 at age of 75, his son said Saturday.
Scott died of lung cancer just a few months after being diagnosed, said his son, Alwyn Scott Jr.
A Tucson resident since the mid-1980s, Scott helped pioneer an understanding of nonlinear waves, emergent mental patterns and human consciousness, his son said in a news release.
He wrote six books and edited many more, including the recently published Encyclopedia of Nonlinear Science — the first volume to combine wide-ranging research in all of the many fields where nonlinear science is applied.
In the early 1960s, Scott made important discoveries in nonlinear science, which seeks to understand systems in which the whole is greater or less than the sum of the parts, Scott Jr. said.
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Specifically, his work looked at the application of nonlinear methods to biological molecules such as proteins and DNA.
"Most scientists work on one thing in great depth. Al worked on a great many things but with depth at the same time," said David McLaughlin, provost of New York University and a colleague who wrote a seminal paper with Scott in 1978.
Added Alan Newell, a math professor at the UA: "He was always open to ideas, and especially to new ideas."
Scott, who became a paraplegic shortly after moving to Tucson when he was struck by a truck while riding to campus, wrote a book based on the event called "The Butterfly Effect," his son said.
The book explored the relationship between nonlinearity and everyday life. While his mobility was restricted, Scott continued to teach, lecture at international conferences and conduct research.
Scott retired from the UA in 2000, his son said.
He enjoyed playing the recorder, writing poetry and cooking, his son added.
Scott is survived by his wife, Lynne MacNeil; daughter Lela Scott MacNeil; two sons, Emmon Scott and Alwyn Scott Jr.; and four grandchildren.
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