
A History of Greek Mathematics: Volume 1
Volume 1
T. L. Heath(Author)
Cambridge University Press
Published on 21. November 2013
Book
Paperback/Softback
468 pages
978-1-108-06306-7 (ISBN)
Description
'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.
More details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
Cambridge
United Kingdom
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Illustrations
Worked examples or Exercises
Dimensions
Height: 216 mm
Width: 140 mm
Thickness: 28 mm
Weight
655 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-108-06306-7 (9781108063067)
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Schweitzer Classification
Content
Preface; 1. Introductory; 2. Greek numerical notation and arithmetical operations; 3. Pythagorean arithmetic; 4. The earliest Greek geometry; 5. Pythagorean geometry; 6. Progress in the elements down to Plato's time; 7. Special problems; 8. Zeno of Elea; 9. Plato; 10. From Plato to Euclid; 11. Euclid.