“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?
Tag: Mathematics
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 