The controversial matters surrounding the notion of anachronism are difficult ones: they have been broached by literary and art critics, by philosophers, as well as by historians of science. This book adopts a bottom-up approach to the many problems concerning anachronism in the history of mathematics. Some of the leading scholars in the field of history of mathematics reflect on the applicability of present-day mathematical language, concepts, standards, disciplinary boundaries, indeed notions of mathematics itself, to well-chosen historical case studies belonging to the mathematics of the past, in European and non-European cultures. A detailed introduction describes the key themes and binds the various chapters together. The interdisciplinary and transcultural approach adopted allows this volume to cover topics important for history of mathematics, history of the physical sciences, history of science, philosophy of mathematics, history of philosophy, methodology of history, non-European science, and the transmission of mathematical knowledge across cultures.

Discover essays by leading scholars on the history of mathematics from ancient to modern times in European and non-European cultures.

About the Author
Niccolo Guicciardini is Professor in History of Science at the State University of Milan. He holds degrees in physics and philosophy. He has been awarded the Gil Prize (Gulbenkian Foundation), the Bacon Prize (Caltech and the Francis Bacon Foundation), and the Sarton Medal (Ghent University). He is the author of two monographs on Newton's mathematics published by Cambridge University Press.

Reviews
'... scholarly work ... Highly recommended.' V. V. Raman, Choice Magazine
'excellent examples of the diversity of types of anachronisms that can be found in the history of mathematics ... The wide variety of case studies that form the chapters is remarkable.' Nicolas Michel, Revue d'Histoire des Sciences
'The main contribution of the book lies in this rich meta-historical reflection. Apart from contributing to their specific historiographies, the essays of this book provide an important contribution to the methodology of the history of mathematics. As a consequence, the book has an appeal for any historian of mathematics, regardless of their period of specialisation.' Raffaele Danna, Nuncius
''Anachronisms in the History of Mathematics provides a rich series of contributions which will be of interest both to the specialist and to any scholar interested in the analysis of past mathematical sources. ... Apart from contributing to their specific historiographies, the essays of this book provide an important contribution to the methodology of the history of mathematics. As a consequence, the book has an appeal for any historian of mathematics, regardless of their period of specialisation.' Raffaele Danna, Nuncius
'Mathematicians without historical training may find this a challenging read that is well worth the effort! Historians (and certainly historians of mathematics) will find this an interesting and thought-provoking book.' Katelynn Kochalski, Notices of the American Mathematical Society



Book Information
ISBN 9781108834964
Author Niccolo Guicciardini
Format Hardback
Page Count 392
Imprint Cambridge University Press
Publisher Cambridge University Press
Weight(grams) 753g
Dimensions(mm) 236mm * 159mm * 29mm