THE life of a Co Tyrone mathematician and aeronautical theorist has been commemorated with the unveiling of a blue plaque at his former home.
The Ulster History Circle have honoured Edgar Henry Harper for his "significant contribution" to the theory of aeronautics and mathematics with his work helping to shape the science behind the stability of aeroplanes.
The plaque was unveiled at Northland Place in Dungannon by Mark Glasgow, deputy chair of Mid Ulster Council.
Mr Harper was born in July I880 at Castle Hill in the town and he attended Dungannon Royal School and Queens College, Belfast, where he studied mathematics.
He also studied at Trinity College, Dublin and was awarded a BA in Mathematical Science and later a Masters in Maths.
He returned to his old school in Dungannon to teach maths, before becoming a lecturer in Bangor University, north Wales.
While in Wales he took interest in the mathematics of flight and increased his interest when he was appointed assistant to Professor George Hartley Bryan, who for many years had been researching the stability of early aeroplanes.
The two men worked with French aviator, Louis Bleriot, to apply the theories of stability on its planes.
He co-published the book, 'Aerial Locomotion' and contributed to Professor Bryan's, 'Stability of Aviation', classed as one of the seminal books on the theory of aviation.
He served as professor of mathematical physics at Cork University - chosen ahead of Eamon de Valera - but relinquished the role to volunteer in the service of his country. He was killed at the Somme in July 1916, aged 36.
Chris Spurr from the Ulster History Circle said: "Edgar Henry Harper was a distinguished mathematician, whose knowledge made a significant contribution to the theory of aeronautics.
"Sadly he is numbered amongst the thousands of Irish-born soldiers who died at the Somme.
"The Ulster History Circle is pleased to commemorate this son of Dungannon with a blue plaque at his former home at Northland Place."
