Pure and Applied Mathematics from an Industrial Perspective

The primary purpose of this article is to comment on the difference between pure and applied mathematics from the point of view of a mathematician in a diverse high-technology industry. A second purpose is nostalgic: I shall reminisce about mathematical life in the Bell Laboratories before the divestiture of the Bell System. It was exciting and enjoyable, and the excitement and joy will probably come through. Let no one draw the conclusion that life is less exciting and less enjoyable in any of the successor companies after January, 1984; I have simply recorded, and ~onderedt he implications of, mathematics in a structure that, like many structures, has undergone some changes.