Underground Mathematics

ISBN-13: 9781009267304 / Angielski / Twarda / 2022

Thomas Morel

Opis

History of the development of practical mathematics in early modern Europe through the practice of mining.

Recenzje

'This is an innovative and thought-provoking book on a rather abstruse topic. Dismissing the geometry of mines as described by humanist scholars, the author delves into the rich and diverse archives of mining offices, and offers a rare glimpse on how a specific mathematical culture developed underground, standardized and circulated.' Jeanne Peiffer, CNRS, Centre Alexandre Koyré, Paris

Spis treści

Introduction; 1. Of scholars and miners; 2. A mathematical culture: the art of setting limits; 3. The mines and the court; 4. Writing it down: innovation, secrecy, and print; 5. 'So fair a subterraneous city': mapping the underground; 6. How to teach it?: finding the right direction; 7. 'One of geometry's nicest applications': crafting the Deep-George tunnel (1771–1799); Conclusion.