Jordanus de Nemore, de Numeris Datis: A Critical Edition and Translation

Jordanus de Nemore's De Numeris Datis is a groundbreaking text in advanced algebra, bridging classical and algebraic traditions and laying the foundation for later advancements. It offers practical techniques for numerical analysis and is still influential today, with numerous surviving manuscripts and commentaries.

Format: Hardback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 27 May 2022
Publisher: University of California Press

Jordanus de Nemore s De Numeris Datis , written in the 13th century, is a groundbreaking text that marks the advent of advanced algebra in Western Europe. It assumes mastery of basic algebra and progresses to develop a systematic approach to quadratic, simultaneous, and proportional equations, many of which had not been previously articulated in European mathematics. By providing sophisticated techniques for numerical analysis, Jordanus not only addressed the needs of his contemporary mathematical community but also laid a foundational stone for the algebraic advancements that followed. The text bridges a gap between the classical mathematical traditions of the Greeks and the revolutionary algebraic methods emerging in the medieval Islamic world, showcasing Jordanuss role as an intellectual conduit in a period of vibrant cross-cultural exchange. Despite scant biographical information about Jordanus himself, his contributions resonate through the depth and structure of his work. De Numeris Datis combines theoretical rigor with practical application, offering propositions and methods that are both abstract and directly applicable to real-world problems. The text s influence is underscored by its enduring presence in medieval and Renaissance scholarship, with numerous surviving manuscripts and commentaries attesting to its relevance. By formalizing algebraic analysis in a way that prefigures later works like Viète s Introduction to the Analytical Art, Jordanus elevated algebra from a computational tool to a discipline of logical inquiry, cementing his legacy as one of the seminal figures in the history of mathematics. This title is part of UC Press s Voices Revived program, which commemorates University of California Press s mission to seek out and cultivate lost works of literature and culture.

Weight: 499g
Dimension: 234 x 156 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780520364783