Hmm, On the Origin of Species was published in the 1850s, so that lets out Jefferson. Perhaps one of our most religious prez’s who was also a scholar (Woodrow Wilson)?
When I think of presidential libraries, I think of Jefferson first. From your description, my guess would be “Isn’t that all of them?” From the picture, though, the shelving is probably a bigger clue than the book covers and titles.
Admittedly, I got some of my winning guess by reading the guesses by DonDueed@7. But if I’m to be paid a reward, how about making it a promise by you to post some more about which notion of information, Shannon information or algorithmic complexity, or even the Orgel/Szostak specified information, is appropriate to thinking about the information built into living things in the process of evolution? I’ll happily contribute to such a discussion.
Crip Dyke, Right Reverend Feminist FuckToy of Death & Her Handmaiden says
Hmm, could be a lot of them. I wouldn’t be surprised if it was Nixon’s. Carter’s a good candidate as well.
Some Old Programmer says
Hmm, On the Origin of Species was published in the 1850s, so that lets out Jefferson. Perhaps one of our most religious prez’s who was also a scholar (Woodrow Wilson)?
Rob Grigjanis says
Jimmy Carter?
Amarantha Dyuaaxchs says
When I think of presidential libraries, I think of Jefferson first. From your description, my guess would be “Isn’t that all of them?” From the picture, though, the shelving is probably a bigger clue than the book covers and titles.
spitzmutt says
JFK was a reader and author.
shallit says
I can see I have to give out another hint.
Hint: his library is only a half-day’s drive from me here in Waterloo, Ontario.
DonDueed says
Garfield? McKinley? Hayes? Ford? I think all those libraries are within a half day of Waterloo.
shallit says
Don, one of your guesses is correct.
Joe Felsenstein says
Garfield? He was schoolteacher and academic. The books are too old to be Gerald Ford.
shallit says
Ding ding ding! We have a winner. Garfield it is.
Joe Felsenstein says
Admittedly, I got some of my winning guess by reading the guesses by DonDueed@7. But if I’m to be paid a reward, how about making it a promise by you to post some more about which notion of information, Shannon information or algorithmic complexity, or even the Orgel/Szostak specified information, is appropriate to thinking about the information built into living things in the process of evolution? I’ll happily contribute to such a discussion.