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A History of Greek Mathematics: Volume 1

T L Heath author

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Cambridge University Press

Published:21st Nov '13

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A History of Greek Mathematics: Volume 1 cover

Originally published in 1921, this rigorous two-volume work traces ancient Greek mathematics from Thales of Miletus to Diophantus of Alexandria.

Published in 1921 and aimed at mathematicians and classicists, this rigorous two-volume work traces ancient Greek mathematics from Thales of Miletus to the achievements of the Alexandrian algebraists. Volume 1 includes an introduction and a section on numerical notation and arithmetical operations. The coverage begins with Thales and extends to Euclid.'If one would understand the Greek genius fully, it would be a good plan to begin with their geometry.' As early as the sixth century BCE, Thales of Miletus used geometrical principles to calculate distance and height. Within a few hundred years, Euclid had produced his seminal Elements, which was still used as a textbook when this two-volume work was first published in 1921. A distinguished civil servant as well as an expert on ancient Greek mathematics, Sir Thomas Little Heath (1861–1940) includes here sufficient detail for a modern mathematician to grasp ancient methodology, alongside explanatory sections aimed at classicists. This remains a rigorous and essential exposition of a vast topic. Volume 1 includes an introduction that touches on the conditions which made possible the rapid development of philosophy and science in ancient Greece. The coverage begins with Thales and ends with Euclid.

ISBN: 9781108063067

Dimensions: 216mm x 140mm x 26mm

Weight: 590g

468 pages