Simson on Porisms An Annotated Translation of Robert Simson's Posthumous Treatise on Porisms and Other Items on this Subject

Most mathematicians' knowledge of Euclid's lost work on Porisms comes from a very brief and general description by Pappus of Alexandria. While Fermat and others made earlier attempts to explain the Porisms, it is Robert Simson who is generally recognised as the first person to achieve a genuine insight into the true nature of the subject.
In this book, Ian Tweddle, a recognised authority on 18th century Scottish mathematics, presents for the first time a full and accessible translation of Simson's work. Based on Simson's early paper of 1723, the treatise, and various extracts from Simson's notebooks and correspondence, this book provides a fascinating insight into the work of an often-neglected figure. Supplemented by historical and mathematical notes and comments, this book is a valuable addition to the literature for anyone with an interest in mathematical history or geometry.

About the author

Ian Tweddle is a proven Springer author, having already contributed two books to the Sources and Studies series: Simon on Porisms (306-5, published 2000), and Methodus Differentialis (723-0, published 2003). Of these three books, this one will have the widest appeal.

Product details

• Authors: Ian Tweddle
• Publisher: Springer, Berlin
• Content: Book
• Product form: Paperback / Softback
• Publication date: 26.10.2010
• Subject: Natural sciences, medicine, IT, technology > Mathematics > Geometry
• EAN: 9781849968621
• ISBN: 978-1-84996-862-1
• Pages: 274
• Illustrations: X, 274 p.
• Dimensions (packing): 15.5 x 1.5 x 23.5 cm
• Weight (packing): 447 g
• Series: Sources and Studies in the History of Mathematics and Physical Sciences; Sources and Studies in the History of Mathematics and Physical Sciences
• Subjects: Mathematics, geometry, Proposition, historyofmathematics, Porisms, RobertSimson