A note on the history of the four-colour conjecture

TL;DR

This paper discusses the historical origins of the four-colour conjecture, highlighting its initial public attention in 1854 and tracing its earliest known publication back by six years.

Contribution

It provides a historical clarification on the timeline and origins of the four-colour conjecture, correcting previous assumptions about its initial publication.

Findings

The conjecture was publicly noted in 1854.

The earliest known publication predates 1854 by six years.

Historical records clarify the conjecture's origin timeline.

Abstract

The four-colour conjecture was brought to public attention in 1854, most probably by Francis or Frederick Guthrie. This moves back by six years the date of the earliest known publication.