Reading Mathematics in Early Modern Europe: Studies in the Production, Collection, and Use of Mathematical Books

Libraries and archives hold thousands of early modern mathematical books with reader marks, providing insight into mathematical reading and dissemination in the early centuries of print culture. Scholarly correspondence, library catalogues, and manuscripts offer additional evidence to understand the motives and difficulties in producing new printed texts.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 332 pages
Publication date: 31 May 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Libraries and archives hold an abundance of early modern mathematical books, many of which bear the marks of readers, including deliberate annotations, accidental blots, corrections, and underlinings. This rich evidence offers us valuable tools to explore the nature of mathematical reading and the ways in which mathematics was disseminated and assimilated across different social milieus during the early centuries of print culture.

In addition to this evidence, the case studies collected in this volume provide valuable insights. Scholarly correspondence sheds light on the motives and challenges involved in producing new printed texts, library catalogues reveal collection practices, and manuscripts offer valuable insights into textual traditions. By defining and illuminating the distinctive world of early modern mathematical reading, this volume aims to bridge the gap between the history of mathematics as a history of texts and history of mathematics as part of the broader history of human culture.

Early modern mathematical books were not mere static objects but dynamic entities that were actively engaged with by readers. These readers left their marks on the books, reflecting their thoughts, interpretations, and learning processes. The annotations and markings on these books provide a window into the minds of the readers and offer valuable insights into their understanding and interpretation of the mathematical content.

One of the most significant aspects of early modern mathematical reading was the emphasis on collaboration and dissemination. Mathematicians often exchanged ideas and worked together to solve complex problems. The books played a crucial role in facilitating these collaborations, as they provided a common platform for mathematicians to share their work and exchange ideas.

The marks on the books also reveal the ways in which mathematics was disseminated and assimilated across different social milieus. Different readers had different levels of mathematical knowledge and expertise, and their marks on the books reflect their understanding and interpretation of the material. This evidence helps us to understand the broader impact of mathematics on society and culture during this period.

In addition to annotations and markings, other evidence, such as scholarly correspondence and library catalogues, also sheds light on the distinctive world of early modern mathematical reading. Scholarly correspondence provides insights into the motives and difficulties involved in producing new printed texts, while library catalogues reveal collection practices and the ways in which books were organized and accessed. Manuscripts, too, offer valuable insights into textual traditions and the ways in which mathematical ideas were transmitted and preserved over time.

By defining and illuminating the distinctive world of early modern mathematical reading, this volume seeks to close the gap between the history of mathematics as a history of texts and history of mathematics as part of the broader history of human culture. It provides a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach to understanding the development of mathematics during this period and its impact on society and culture.

In conclusion, libraries and archives contain a wealth of evidence that sheds light on the distinctive world of early modern mathematical reading. This evidence includes annotations, markings, scholarly correspondence, library catalogues, and manuscripts. By defining and illuminating this world, this volume seeks to bridge the gap between the history of mathematics as a history of texts and history of mathematics as part of the broader history of human culture. It provides valuable insights into the nature of mathematical reading, the ways in which mathematics was disseminated and assimilated, and the broader impact of mathematics on society and culture during this period.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367609269