History of Analytic Geometry (Dover Books on Mathematics)

Book Details

• Publisher: Dover

• Author: Boyer, Carl B.

• Language: English

• Edition: Unabridged

• ISBN: 9780486438320

• Pages: 304

• Cover: Paperback

• Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.4 x 0.7 inches

• Format: Illustrated

About the Book

The History of Analytic Geometry by Carl B. Boyer offers a fascinating and integrated survey of the development of analytic geometry, tracing its evolution from ancient to modern times. This classic study provides a unique approach to the history of mathematical ideas, exploring not only the concepts themselves but also the intellectual progression that has shaped them over the centuries.

Written by a distinguished historian of mathematics, the book presents a detailed examination of the key ideas and figures that contributed to the development of analytic geometry. Boyer guides readers through the work of early mathematicians before the Alexandrian Age, the significant contributions of Fermat and Descartes during the French mathematical revolution, and the developments by Newton and Euler. The study culminates in the "Golden Age" of mathematics from 1789 to 1850, offering a thorough perspective on the advancements during this pivotal era.

Appropriate for undergraduate students and mathematically inclined readers, this book is accessible yet comprehensive, making it an invaluable resource for anyone interested in the history of mathematics. The unabridged edition includes an analytical bibliography and index, ensuring that readers have a complete reference for further study.