David Pinsent

David Hume Pinsent (; 24 May 1891 – 8 May 1918) Wittgenstein's Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus is dedicated to Pinsent's memory.

Early life

Pinsent, a descendant of philosopher David Hume's brother, John Hume, was born in Edgbaston, Birmingham. He gained a first-class honours degree in mathematics at Cambridge University, where he was described by George Thomson, future master of Corpus Christi College as "the most brilliant man of my year, among the most brilliant I have ever met". Pinsent then studied law. He acted as Wittgenstein's subject in psychological experiments on rhythm in speech and music, and he struck up a rapport, based on shared interests in music and mathematics. His diary (1912–1914) mentions his times and travels with Wittgenstein.

First World War

During the First World War, Pinsent was deemed unsuitable for active military service. He trained as a test pilot instead and worked at the Royal Aircraft Establishment in Farnborough, where he was killed in a flying accident in May 1918. He was buried in the Victoria Road Cemetery in Farnborough in Hampshire.