Each chapter of this portrait of the evolution of mathematics examines the work of an individual — Archimedes, Descartes, Fermat, Pascal, Newton, Einstein, and others — to explore the mathematics of his era. Rather than a series of biographical profiles, readers encounter an accessible chronology of pioneering developments in mathematics. 1989 edition.

This volume is designed to assist anyone with the mathematics involved in map making. It starts from an elementary standpoint and progresses to give the student a sufficient level of understanding to cope with most topics encountered by the map maker, including those of elementary surveying. The material is in two carefully cross-referenced parts. Mathematical topics and concepts are presented in the first part, enabling the relevance of each topic to be made clear, while the second part contains a glossary and formulae summaries with several appendices.

"Two veteran math educators concisely profile leading mathematicians throughout history highlighting their often unusual personalities and lives while giving average readers insights into the importance of their mathematical discoveries."--

This book of thoroughly engaging essays from one of today's most prodigious innovators provides a uniquely personal perspective on the lives and achievements of a selection of intriguing figures from the history of science and technology. Weaving together his immersive interest in people and history with insights gathered from his own experiences, Stephen Wolfram gives an ennobling look at some of the individuals whose ideas and creations have helped shape our world today. Contents includes biographical sketches of: Richard Feynman Kurt Godel Alan Turing John von Neumann George Boole Ada Lovelace Gottfried Leibniz Benoit Mandelbrot Steve Jobs Marvin Minsky Russell Towle Bertrand Russell Alfred Whitehead Richard Crandall Srinivasa Ramanujan Solomon Golomb

Photographs accompanied by autobiographical text written by each mathematician.

Praise for Hal Hellman Great Feuds in Mathematics "Those who think that mathematicians are cold, mechanical proving machines will do well to read Hellman's book on conflicts in mathematics. The main characters are as excitable and touchy as the next man. But Hellman's stories also show how scientific fights bring out sharper formulations and better arguments." -Professor Dirk van Dalen, Philosophy Department, Utrecht University Great Feuds in Technology "There's nothing like a good feud to grab your attention. And when it comes to describing the battle, Hal Hellman is a master." -New Scientist Great Feuds in Science "Unusual insight into the development of science . . . I was excited by this book and enthusiastically recommend it to general as well as scientific audiences." -American Scientist "Hellman has assembled a series of entertaining tales . . . many fine examples of heady invective without parallel in our time." -Nature Great Feuds in Medicine "This engaging book documents [the] reactions in ten of the most heated controversies and rivalries in medical history. . . . The disputes detailed are . . . fascinating. . . . It is delicious stuff here." -The New York Times "Stimulating." -Journal of the American Medical Association