The Cambridge Mathematical Tripos was a distinctive written examination of undergraduate students of the University of Cambridge. From about 1780 to 1909, it was distinguished by a number of features, including the publication of an order of merit of successful candidates, and the difficulty of the mathematical problems set for solution. According to the study Masters of Theory: Cambridge and the Rise of Mathematical Physics by Andrew Warwick, during this period the style of teaching and study required for the successful preparation of students had a wide influence: on the development of 'mixed mathematics' (a precursor of later applied mathematics and mathematical physics, with emphasis on algebraic manipulative mastery), on mathematical education, as vocational training for fields such as astronomy, and in the reception of new physical theories, particularly in electromagnetism as expounded by James Clark Maxwell. TRIPOS is a computer operating system. ... The University of Cambridge is the second-oldest university in the English-speaking world, with one of the most selective sets of entry requirements in the United Kingdom. ... A mathematical problem is a problem that can be solved with the help of mathematics. ... Applied mathematics is a branch of mathematics that concerns itself with the application of mathematical knowledge to other domains. ... Mathematical physics is a scientific discipline aimed at studying and solving problems inspired by physics within a mathematically rigorous framework. ... Mathematics education is the study of the practices and methods of teaching mathematics. ... Astrometry: the study of the position of objects in the sky and their changes of position. ... Quadrupole (four-pole) magnet, focus particle beams in a particle accelerator. ... James Clerk Maxwell James Clerk Maxwell (June 13, 1831 - November 5, 1879) was a Scottish physicist, born in Edinburgh. ...

The early history is of the gradual replacement during the middle of the eighteenth century of a traditional method of oral examination by written papers, with a simultaneous switch in emphasis from Latin disputation to mathematical questions. That is, all degree candidates were expected to show at least competence in mathematics. A long process of development of 'coaching' – tuition usually outside the official University and college courses – went hand-in-hand with a gradual increase in the difficulty of the most testing questions asked. The standard examination pattern of bookwork (mostly memorised theorems) plus rider (problem to solve, testing comprehension of the bookwork) was introduced. (17th century - 18th century - 19th century - more centuries) As a means of recording the passage of time, the 18th century refers to the century that lasted from 1701 through 1800. ... A theorem is a proposition that has been or is to be proved on the basis of explicit assumptions. ...

The list of wranglers, that is, the candidates awarded a first-class degree, became in time the subject of a great deal of public attention. The coaches, of whom Edward Routh was the most outstanding, assumed a para-academic status. The level of technique required of the candidates was high, and the time pressure in the examinations acute. It became common for those with a first degree in mathematics elsewhere to come to Cambridge to take part in the Tripos, as a second degree. hello This page meets Wikipedias criteria for speedy deletion. ... Edward John Routh (1831-1907) was a British mathematician, noted as the outstanding coach of students preparing for the Mathematical Tripos examination of the University of Cambridge in its heyday in the middle of the nineteenth century. ...

The reforms implemented in 1909 did much to dismantle the old Mathematical Tripos system. It continued as an examination (and a course): its influence persisted (and in Cambridge terms did much to support the particular kind of mathematical approach of DAMTP). G. H. Hardy, one of those most responsible for the changes, was concerned in particular to assert the importance of pure mathematics. G. H. Hardy Professor Godfrey Harold Hardy FRS (February 7, 1877 – December 1, 1947) was a prominent British mathematician, known for his achievements in number theory and mathematical analysis. ... Broadly speaking, pure mathematics is mathematics motivated entirely for reasons other than application. ...

Reference

• Masters of Theory: Cambridge and the Rise of Mathematical Physics (2003) Andrew Warwick