Also
known as Willem Klein and performed under several stage names,
including Pascal, Moos Optel and Ali Ben Achmed.
Born
in Amsterdam in 1912. Murdered in his Amsterdam apartment in 1986.
Employed
by the Mathematisch Centrum in Amsterdam 1952-1956. While there,
Klein was sometimes called upon to entertain visitors by
demonstrating his calculating skills. A noteworthy instance of this
occurred at the World Congress of Mathematicians, which was hosted
by the Mathematisch Centrum in 1954.
Employed
by CERN in Geneva 1958-1976.
Through
repeated exposure, as opposed to deliberate memorization, Klein
mastered the multiplication table up to 100 times 100. This
knowledge he could utilize when multiplying larger numbers. In
multiplying a pair of ten-digit numbers, for instance, he would
cross-multiply using pairs of digits instead of the more
conventional practice of using single digits.
Is
one of the very best all-round mental calculators.
Calculations Performed by Wim Klein
References/Links
1.
A Medico-Psychological Account, Followed by a Demonstration of a
Case of Supernormal Aptitude
Proceedings of the Second International Congress on Orthopedagogics,
1949
Berthold Stokvis PDF
