A Historical Dictionary of Mathematical Terms

This unique reference work systematically presents and studies mathematical terms, sourcing literature from antiquity until the 20th century.

The book provides detailed and reliable information on the origins and developments of more than 1,000 mathematical terms from all branches of mathematics. The dictionary is based on extensive research of the primary literature, cites from original sources, provides historical illustrations, discusses synonyms and competing terms, and quotes critical or approving comments on newly created terms. Each entry is self-contained and includes a bibliography. All major mathematical fields are represented, ranging from geometry and arithmetic to, for example, calculus, topology, and category theory.

This set comprises both volumes I and II, covering the letters from A through Z.

First modern and comprehensive historical dictionary of mathematical terms Traces back the origins of each term treated, and a history of the uses Implements an encyclopedic approach to the entries, and includes a bibliography for each entry

Autorentext

Holger Becker is a lecturer at the IBS IT & Business School Oldenburg. His PhD thesis dealt with semantic and lexical aspects of the special language of mathematics in the 19th century. His research interest focuses on the history of mathematical terms.

Inhalt

Introduction.- List of Figures.- List of Tables.- List of Abbreviations.- Index.- The Dictionary.