David Hilbert, a University of Göttingen professor whom Mary had met in 1895, give the lecture "Mathematical Problems" in Paris at the 1900 Second International Congress of Mathematicians. His lecture outlined the progress made in mathematics throughout the 19th century and challenged mathematicians worldwide to attempt to solve twenty-three important problems during the next century.

Reports of his address were widespread and published in two journals in German. Following the lecture, American mathematicians wanted an English translation, and the American Mathematical Society was ready to publish one provided they could find a translator. Hilbert was asked if he would accept Mary and her translation appeared in the Bulletin of the AMS, Volume 8 in 1902.

Later Life and Retirement