This book describes two stages in the historical development of the notion of mathematical first, it traces its rise in the context of algebra from the mid-1800s to 1930, and then considers attempts to formulate elaborate theories after 1930 aimed at elucidating, from a purely mathematical perspective, the precise meaning of this idea.
Between Geometry and Arithmetic
Focusing on the interconnections between geometry and arithmetic, this work sheds light on a significant yet often neglected area of medieval mathematical texts. It explores the evolution of algebraic thinking within the Euclidean tradition, making it a valuable resource for those interested in the history of mathematics and the development of science during the medieval and early modern periods.
The book explores the evolving relationship between geometry and arithmetic in the context of the Euclidean tradition during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries in Britain. It specifically examines the themes and ideas presented in Book II, highlighting how mathematical concepts were perceived and developed during this transformative period. Through this lens, the text delves into the intellectual shifts that influenced mathematical thought and education in early modern Britain.