As part of a larger project, I needed a simple timeline for the history of mathematics. I kicked around a bunch of candidates but settled on the following: Old Tally — before 4000 BCE Bronze River — 4000 BCE to 1001 BCE Early Philosophic — 1000 BCE to 301 BCE Euclidean — 300 BCE to … Continue reading Math Eras
Tag: Mathematics
How Many Authenticated Ancient Mathematical Artifacts are Known?
“How many authenticated ancient mathematical artifacts are known?” I recently asked myself this question while researching the history of mathematical proof. Ultimately, all historical theories must answer to the evidence. For mathematics, this means studying surviving parchment documents, cuneiform tablets, bamboo strips, bone markings, Stella inscriptions, calculating boards, and other objects, that inform our mathematical … Continue reading How Many Authenticated Ancient Mathematical Artifacts are Known?
Open Source Hilbert for the Kindle
David Hilbert While searching for free Kindle books I found Project Gutenberg. Project Gutenberg offers free Kindle books but they also have something better! Would you believe LaTeX source code for some mathematical classics. The best book I've found so far is an English translation of David Hilbert's Foundations of Geometry. Hilbert's Foundations exposed some … Continue reading Open Source Hilbert for the Kindle
Oh Crap Martin Gardner has Died!
Martin Gardner Last night I heard of Martin Gardner’s death at the age of ninety-five. When someone lives into their nineties death is not unexpected but in Gardner’s case it still saddens me. Martin Gardner’s famous Mathematical Games column set a standard for mathematical exposition that has yet to be equaled. He proved, month after … Continue reading Oh Crap Martin Gardner has Died!
Analyze the Data not the Drivel 