Beyond the Learned Academy: The Practice of Mathematics, 1600-1850

The growth of mathematical sciences in the early modern world led to an advanced level of practical mathematics in various fields, shaping the knowledge culture of the age. This volume, with fifteen essays by leading authorities, seeks to highlight the richness, diversity, and breadth of mathematical practice from the seventeenth century to the middle of the nineteenth century, addressing the neglect of practical mathematics in scholarly investigations.

Format: Hardback
Length: 512 pages
Publication date: 05 January 2024
Publisher: Oxford University Press

The remarkable expansion of the mathematical sciences during the early modern era was simultaneously mirrored by a remarkable advancement in the realm of practical mathematics, encompassing diverse fields such as merchant accounts, instrument manufacturing, teaching, navigation, and gauging. In numerous ways, mathematics played a pivotal role in shaping the knowledge culture of that era, permeating workshops, dockyards, and warehouses before spreading to the factories of the Industrial Revolution and subsequently reaching the trading companies and banks of the nineteenth century. While theoretical advancements in the history of mathematics have been extensively studied, with a significant focus on the contributions of prominent figures like Descartes, Huygens, Leibniz, or Newton, practical mathematics, particularly from the seventeenth century onwards, has largely been overlooked. To address this gap, the present volume, consisting of fifteen essays authored by esteemed experts in the field of mathematics history, aims to showcase the immense richness, diversity, and breadth of mathematical practice during the seventeenth century to the middle of the nineteenth century.

The seventeenth century marked a significant period in the development of mathematics, characterized by significant advancements in various branches of the discipline. During this time, mathematicians such as René Descartes, Blaise Pascal, and Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz made groundbreaking contributions that laid the foundation for modern mathematics. Descartes, known for his "Cartesianism," introduced the concept of dualism, which divided the world into two distinct realms: the mind and the body. He also developed the rule of reason, which guided his approach to problem-solving and led to the development of calculus.

Pascal, on the other hand, was a renowned mathematician and physicist who made significant contributions to the field of probability theory. He developed the Pascaline triangle, a mathematical tool used to solve complex combinatorial problems. He also introduced the concept of probability, which is the likelihood of a certain event occurring.

Leibniz, known as the "Prince of Mathematicians," was a polymath who made significant contributions to mathematics, physics, and philosophy. He developed the Leibniz notation, a system of symbols used to represent mathematical expressions. He also developed the concept of the universal calculus, which is a unified approach to solving equations and problems in mathematics and physics.

In addition to these influential figures, the seventeenth century saw the development of other important mathematical concepts and theories. For example, the concept of infinitesimal calculus was developed by Isaac Newton and Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz, which allowed for the precise calculation of derivatives and integrals. The theory of probability was also developed during this time, with Blaise Pascal and Pierre de Fermat making significant contributions.

The seventeenth century also saw the development of mathematical instruments and technologies that played a crucial role in advancing various fields. For example, the invention of the telescope by Galileo Galilei in 1609 revolutionized astronomy and allowed for the precise measurement of celestial bodies. The invention of the calculator by Blaise Pascal in 1642 also played a significant role in advancing mathematics and science.

However, despite the significant advancements in mathematics during the seventeenth century, there were also challenges and controversies that shaped the field. One of the most notable controversies was the dispute between Isaac Newton and Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz over the priority of their contributions to the development of calculus. The dispute was settled in favor of Newton, who was recognized as the founder of classical mechanics.

Another controversy that emerged during the seventeenth century was the debate over the nature of mathematics. Some mathematicians, such as René Descartes, argued that mathematics was a purely abstract and logical discipline, while others, such as Leibniz, argued that mathematics was a branch of natural philosophy that sought to understand the underlying principles of the natural world.

Despite these controversies, the seventeenth century was a period of great progress in mathematics, and the contributions made by mathematicians during this time continue to shape the field today. The development of calculus, probability theory, and the universal calculus laid the foundation for modern mathematics and have had a profound impact on various fields, including physics, engineering, and economics.

In conclusion, the seventeenth century was a period of remarkable growth and development in the mathematical sciences, characterized by significant advancements in various branches of the discipline. Mathematicians such as Descartes, Pascal, and Leibniz made groundbreaking contributions that laid the foundation for modern mathematics and continue to shape the field today. The development of mathematical instruments and technologies also played a crucial role in advancing various fields, and the controversies and debates that emerged during this time shaped the field's development. The seventeenth century was a period of great progress and innovation in mathematics, and its contributions continue to be felt today.

Weight: 994g
Dimension: 163 x 242 x 35 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780198863953