This compact, well-written history covers major mathematical ideas and techniques from the ancient Near East to 20th-century computer theory, surveying the works of Archimedes, Pascal, Gauss, Hilbert, and many others. "The author's ability as a first-class historian as well as an able mathematician h... read more
Greek Mathematical Thought and the Origin of Algebra by Jacob Klein Important study focuses on the revival and assimilation of ancient Greek mathematics in the 13th-16th centuries, via Arabic science, and the 16th-century development of symbolic algebra. 1968 edition. Bibliography.
A Philosophical Essay on Probabilities by Marquis de Laplace Without the use of higher mathematics, this classic demonstrates the application of probability to games of chance, physics, reliability of witnesses, astronomy, insurance, democratic government, and many other areas.
A Mathematical History of the Golden Number by Roger Herz-Fischler This comprehensive study traces the historic development of division in extreme and mean ratio ("the golden number") from its first appearance in Euclid's Elements through the 18th century. Features numerous illustrations.
Mathematics and Logic by Mark Kac, Stanislaw M. Ulam Fascinating study of the origin and nature of mathematical thought, including relation of mathematics and science, 20th-century developments, impact of computers, more. Includes 34 illustrations. 1968 edition.
A History of Mathematical Notations by Florian Cajori This classic study notes the origin of a mathematical symbol, the competition it encountered, its spread among writers in different countries, its rise to popularity, and its eventual decline or ultimate survival. 1929 edition.
A History of Vector Analysis: The Evolution of the Idea of a Vectorial System by Michael J. Crowe Prize-winning study traces the rise of the vector concept from the discovery of complex numbers through the systems of hypercomplex numbers to the final acceptance around 1910 of the modern system of vector analysis.
Lectures on Elementary Mathematics by Joseph Louis Lagrange One of the 18th century's greatest mathematicians delivered these lectures at a training school for teachers. An exemplar among elementary expositions, they combine original ideas and elegant expression. 1898 edition.
The Magic of Numbers by Eric Temple Bell Superb, stimulating account of origins of mathematical thought and development of numerical theory. Probes the work of Pythagoras, Galileo, Berkeley, Einstein, and others, exploring influence of "number magic" on religion, philosophy, science, mathematics.
Makers of Mathematics by Stuart Hollingdale Each chapter of this accessible portrait of the evolution of mathematics examines the work of an individual — Archimedes, Descartes, Newton, Einstein, others — to explore the mathematics of his era. 1989 edition.
Great Ideas of Modern Mathematics by Jagjit Singh Internationally famous expositor discusses differential equations, matrices, groups, sets, transformations, mathematical logic, and other important areas in modern mathematics. He also describes their applications to physics, astronomy, and other fields. 1959 edition.
Mathematics: The Man-Made Universe by Sherman K. Stein Highly readable volume covers number theory, topology, set theory, geometry, algebra, and analysis, plus the primes, fundamental theory of arithmetic, probability, and more. Solutions manual available upon request. 1994 edition.
Newton's Philosophy of Nature: Selections from His Writings by Sir Isaac Newton, H. S. Thayer A wide, accessible representation of the interests, problems, and philosophic issues that preoccupied the great 17th-century scientist, this collection is grouped according to methods, principles, and theological considerations. 1953 edition.
A Short Account of the History of Mathematics by W. W. Rouse Ball This standard text treats hundreds of figures and schools instrumental in the development of mathematics, from the Phoenicians to such 19th-century giants as Grassman, Galois, and Riemann.
The Rules of Algebra: (Ars Magna) by Girolamo Cardano First published in 1545, this cornerstone in the history of mathematics contains the first revelation of the principles for solving cubic and biquadratic equations. Excellent translation, adapted to modern mathematical syntax.
General Investigations of Curved Surfaces: Edited with an Introduction and Notes by Peter Pesic by Karl Friedrich Gauss, Adam Hiltebeitel, James Morehead, Peter Pesic This influential work defines the concept of surface curvature and presents the important theorem stating that the "Gauss curvature" is invariant under arbitrary isometric deformation of a curved surface. 1902 edition.
History of Analytic Geometry by Carl B. Boyer This study presents the concepts and contributions from before the Alexandrian Age through to Fermat and Descartes, and on through Newton and Euler to the "Golden Age," from 1789 to 1850. 1956 edition. Analytical bibliography. Index.
A History of Japanese Mathematics by David E. Smith, Yoshio Mikami Classic survey chronicles the development of the Japanese mathematics: use of the abacus; application of counting rods to algebra; Seki Kowa; the circle principle; Ajima Chokuyen; Wada Nei; more. 1914 edition. Includes 74 figures.
Product Description:
This compact, well-written history covers major mathematical ideas and techniques from the ancient Near East to 20th-century computer theory, surveying the works of Archimedes, Pascal, Gauss, Hilbert, and many others. "The author's ability as a first-class historian as well as an able mathematician has enabled him to produce a work which is unquestionably one of the best." — Nature.
Dirk. J. Struik was born in Rotterdam in 1894 and spent most of his teaching career at MIT; he retired in 1960. His Lectures on Classical Differential Geometry, reprinted by Dover in 1988, is still a highly regarded classic, as is his Concise History of Mathematics, one of the first Dover original books in mathematics and first published by Dover in 1948, which reached its current fourth revised edition in 1987.
Professor Struik died on October 21, 2000, twenty-one days after his 106th birthday. Professor. Thomas F. Banchoff of Brown University, longtime friend and colleague of Dr. Struik and an advisor to Dover for the past 30 years, here tells the story of his friend's memorable 100th birthday celebration:
"Dirk Struik was 97 at the time I asked him what he planned to do on his hundredth birthday. He said that his family always had a party, but I then thought of a bright idea, a public celebration lecture where he would sit in the front row and hear people from his past say laudatory things about his contributions. I blurted out, 'What about a lecture on your hundredth birthday?' Without hesitation, he agreed, and that was the start of a grand event. "Well over two hundred fifty people attended his lecture, about a third who knew him from his mathematical writings, another third acquainted with his work in history and politics, and, according to one wag, the rest wanting to see a hundred-year-old man stand up for an hour. Joan Richards gave a sterling introduction covering the many aspects of his long career. The talk itself was full of personal reflections about the characteristics of these almost legendary figures in modern mathematics and the audience was most appreciative. "Dirk Struik went on giving lectures, in the United States and in the Netherlands for the next four years. He was a good friend to many people in his long life, and his books on so many subjects will continue to provide inspiration and encouragement to generations of students and teachers." — Tom Banchoff
This book was printed in the United States of America.
Dover books are made to last a lifetime. Our US book-manufacturing partners produce the highest quality books in the world and they create jobs for our fellow citizens. Manufacturing in the United States also ensures that our books are printed in an environmentally friendly fashion, on paper sourced from responsibly managed forests.
