Sources and Studies in the History of Mathematics and Physical Sciences: Edited With Translation and Commentary by Heike Sefrin-Weis

Sefrin-Weis, Heike

Although not so well known today, Book 4 of Pappus’ Collection is one of the most important and influential mathematical texts from antiquity. The mathematical vignettes form a portrait of mathematics during the Hellenistic "Golden Age", illustrating central problems – for example, squaring the circle; doubling the cube; and trisecting an angle – varying solution strategies, and the different mathematical styles within ancient geometry.

This volume provides an English translation of Collection 4, in full, for the first time, including: a new edition of the Greek text, based on a fresh transcription from the main manuscript and offering an alternative to Hultsch’s standard edition, notes to facilitate understanding of the steps in the mathematical argument, a commentary highlighting aspects of the work that have so far been neglected, and supporting the reconstruction of a coherent plan and vision within the work, bibliographical references for further study.

Details

Published by: Springer

Publication Date: 2010-06-10

Format: Hardcover

ISBN-13: 9781849960045

DOI: 10.1007/978-1-84996-005-2

Dimensions: 240cm x160cm

Pages: 328