Benjamin Wardhaugh Knihy

The writing of mathematical histories has a long history, one which has seldom received scholarly attention. Mathematical history, and mathematical biography, raise distinctive issues of method and approach to which different periods have responded in different ways. At a time of increasing interest in the history of mathematics, this book attempts to show something of the trajectory that history has taken in the past. It presents seven case studies illustrating the different ways that mathematical histories have been written since the seventeenth century, ranging from the ‘historia’ of John Wallis to the recent re-presentation of Thomas Harriot’s manuscripts online. It considers both the ways that individual reputations and biographies have been shaped differently in different circumstances, and the ways that the discipline of mathematics has itself been variously presented through the writing of its history.

Euclid's Elements of Geometry was a book that changed the world. In a sweeping history, Benjamin Wardhaugh traces how an ancient Greek text on mathematics - often hailed as the world's first textbook - shaped two thousand years of art, philosophy and literature, as well as science and maths.

'An astonishingly readable and informative history of the greatest mathematical bestseller of all time ... The writing is vivid and the stories are gripping. Highly recommended ' IAN STEWART, AUTHOR OF SIGNIFICANT FIGURES

August, 1755. Newcastle, on the north bank of the Tyne.

Focusing on the intersection of mathematics and music, this book explores the development of quantitative music theory in seventeenth-century England from 1653 to 1705. It examines the influence of Descartes's work and concludes with Thomas Salmon's presentation at the Royal Society. The findings highlight the broader implications for early modern knowledge and sensory theories, offering insights into the scientific revolution's cultural context.

The book explores the tumultuous exchange between Thomas Salmon and Matthew Locke, sparked by Salmon's 1672 work, the Essay to the Advancement of Musick. It delves into the intense and often humorous pamphlet war that ensued, highlighting not only the personal animosities but also the broader implications for musical discourse in the 17th century. Through this conflict, the book reveals insights into the musical theories of the era and the personalities involved, showcasing the intersection of art and rivalry in early music criticism.

The second volume focuses on Thomas Salmon's exploration of musical pitch reform, building on his earlier work on notation. It delves into his inquiries about the meaning and sources of musical knowledge, reflecting his innovative approach to music theory. This edition, curated by Benjamin Wardhaugh, is the first scholarly publication of Salmon's writings on pitch, which were largely accessible only in manuscript form, providing valuable insights into his contributions to music.

John Wallis, a prominent British mathematician of the seventeenth century, made significant contributions to grammar, logic, and music theory. His translations of ancient Greek texts by Ptolemy, Porphyry, and Bryennius reflect his deep interest in the relationship between ancient and modern tuning theory. The book includes discussions on organ construction, resonance phenomena, and various musical topics, showcasing Wallis's intellectual engagements with notable figures of his time, including Henry Oldenburg and Thomas Salmon.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO COUNT? WHY ARE HUMANS THE ONLY SPECIES ON EARTH THAT CAN DO IT? WHERE DID COUNTING COME FROM? HOW HAS IT SHAPED SOCIETIES ALONG THE WAY? AND WHY DOES IT MATTER?