Subject

Geometry -- History Books

Best books

Emil Weyr

Über die Geometrie der alten Aegypter.
 Vortrag, gehalten in der feierlichen Sitzung der Kaiserlichen Akademie der Wissenschaften am 29. Mai 1884.

"Über die Geometrie der alten Aegypter" by Emil Weyr is a scholarly publication that was presented in the late 19th century. This work explores the geometrical knowledge and methodologies of ancient Egyptian civilization, highlighting their contributions to the development of geometry as a science. The book is aimed at readers interested in the history of mathematics and the intellectual achievements of ancient cultures. In this publication, Emil Weyr delves into the origins and progress of geometrical understanding in ancient Egypt, arguing that it was not solely the birthplace of mathematics, but rather that various cultures developed geometrical concepts out of practical necessities. The author examines historical accounts from Greek philosophers, such as Herodotus and Plato, detailing how the Greeks acquired their geometrical knowledge from Egyptian priests. Furthermore, Weyr analyzes ancient texts and artifacts, including the Rhind Papyrus, to substantiate claims of advanced understanding in land measurement, geometry construction, and practical applications. The work concludes with an assertion about the sophistication of Egyptian geometry, revealing a cultural legacy that significantly influenced subsequent mathematical thought.

Gino Loria

Die hauptsächlichsten Theorien der Geometrie

"Die hauptsächlichsten Theorien der Geometrie" by Gino Loria is a historical monograph written in the late 19th century. The work aims to present a comprehensive overview of the development of geometric theories, examining their evolution from ancient times to modern advancements. As a scholarly text, it reflects on the historical milestones and key figures in the field of geometry, intended for an audience looking to deepen their understanding of the subject's progression through history. At the start of the monograph, the author expresses a desire to fulfill the need for a retrospective on geometric advancements given the rapid progress in mathematics. Loria introduces his intention to provide a "chronicle" that acts as a precursor to a more extensive history of geometry in the current century. He notes the considerable challenge of writing such a historical account, emphasizing that a successful narrative would help both novices and experienced mathematicians grasp the solutions to pressing geometric problems. Although Loria acknowledges the difficulties in achieving a complete study, he outlines the foundational topics he plans to cover, including the history of geometry before the mid-19th century, theories of curves and surfaces, and the implications of differential geometry.

Recently surfaced classics