A cryptarithm is a number puzzle in which a group of arithmetical operations has some or all of its digits replaced by letters or symbols, and where the original digits must be found. In such a puzzle, each letter or symbol represents a unique digit. The first example appeared in American Agriculturist in 1864. Specific types of cryptarithm include the alphametic, the digimetic, and the skeletal division. In a digimetic digits are used to represent other digit, whereas in skeletal division most or all of the digits are replaced by a symbol.

 

Hunter, J(ames) A(lston) H(ope)

J. A. H. Hunter is an American mathematician and puzzlist who has written numerous articles and several books on recreational mathematics (two in partnership with Joseph Madachy), and was the author of a syndicated puzzle column read throughout the United States and Canada. In 1955, he coined the name "alphametic" and is probably the most prolific producer of cryptarithms in general.