INAUDI

inaudi, jacques (1867- ), italian calculating prodigy, was born at onorato, piedmont, on the 15th of october 1867. when between seven and eight years old, at which time he was employed in herding sheep, he already exhibited an extraordinary aptitude for mental calculation. his powers attracted the notice of various showmen, and he commenced to give exhibitions. he was carefully examined by leading french scientists, including charcot, from the physiological, psychological and mathematical point of view. the secret of his arithmetical powers appeared to reside in his extraordinary memory, improved by continuous practice. it appeared to depend upon hearing rather than sight, more remarkable results being achieved when figures were read out than when they were written.