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Zerah Colburn (1804-1839) was a child prodigy possessing phenomenal skills at [[mathematics]], particularly in doing complex calculations swiftly in his mind.  For example, when asked whether the number 4294967297 is a [[prime number]], Colburn replied after doing a brief mental calculation that it was not, because it had the divisor 641.<ref>E.T. Bell, "Men of Mathematics" 66 (1937).</ref>

'''Zerah Colburn''' (1804-1839) was a child prodigy possessing phenomenal skills at [[mathematics]], particularly in doing complex calculations swiftly in his mind.  For example, when asked whether the number 4294967297 is a [[prime number]], Colburn replied after doing a brief mental calculation that it was not, because it had the divisor 641.<ref>E.T. Bell, "Men of Mathematics" 66 (1937).</ref>

Attracting attention, Colburn was sent to school at the Westminster School in London, where he met and inspired a young [[William Hamilton]] to become the greatest [[mathematician]] and scientist in the history of [[Ireland]].<ref>''Ibid.'' at 342-43.</ref>

Attracting attention, Colburn was sent to school at the Westminster School in London, where he met and inspired a young [[William Hamilton]] to become the greatest [[mathematician]] and scientist in the history of [[Ireland]].<ref>''Ibid.'' at 342-43.</ref>