From Servant to Queen: A Journey Through Victorian Mathematics

Traces the development of pure mathematics during the long nineteenth century in Britain, with extensive references and primary sources.

List of contents

Acknowledgements; Notes for the reader; 1. Setting the scene; 2. The legacy of Newton; 3. The London Mathematical Society; 4. The pure mathematician as hero; 5. Mathematicians in an aethereal world; 6. Apologias for pure mathematicians; 7. Embracing beauty; 8. Epilogue; Bibliography; Index.

About the author

John Heard is an independent researcher with a doctorate in the history of science from Imperial College London. He is also a member of the British Society for the History of Science, the British Society for the History of Mathematics, and a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales.

Summary

Pure mathematics in Britain at the start of the nineteenth century was mainly a recreation for amateurs. Using primary sources, this engaging account describes how, by the start of World War I, it had become an academic discipline of repute led by G. H. Hardy and supported by the internationally-respected London Mathematical Society.

Product details

• Authors: John Heard, Heard John
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press ELT
• Languages: English
• Product format: Hardback
• Released: 31.03.2019
• EAN: 9781107124134
• ISBN: 978-1-107-12413-4
• No. of pages: 276
• Subjects: Natural sciences, medicine, IT, technology > Mathematics > General, dictionaries; MATHEMATICS / History & Philosophy, c 1800 to c 1900, United Kingdom, Great Britain, 1837–1901 (Victorian period), History of mathematics, C 1900 - C 1914, c 1900 to c 1909