Companion Encyclopedia of the History and Philosophy of the Mathematical Sciences

Mathematics is one of the most basic and ancient types of knowledge, and yet few know much about its historical development. This encyclopedia aims to recover our mathematical heritage, examining the history and philosophy of the mathematical sciences in a cultural context, and tracing their evolution from ancient times to the 20th century. In 176 articles contributed by authors of 18 nationalities, this encyclopedia describes and analyzes the variety of theories, proofs and techniques, as well as practical applications of pure, applied and statistical mathematics. It demonstrates the importance of mathematics today, treating its historical interactions with the related disciplines of physics, astronomy, engineering, philosophy and the social sciences. It also covers the history of higher education in mathematics and the growth of institutions and organizations connected with the development of the subject.

'This is the first book of its kind to cover the history of mathematics on such a scale and in such depth. It is a truly excellent publication, providing comprehensive coverage in a systematic way of the development of one of the most fundamental areas of knowledge.' - Reference Reviews'This is a very fine, well-written and authoritative overview of the history of mathematics. It can be thoroughly recommended as a standard work in its field.' - The Year in Reference'ivor GrattanULguinness has recruited a remarkable collection of historians, mathematicians and scientists to write this encyclopedia ... gives more complete coverage of the history of mathematics up to the beginning of the twentieth century than any other single reference work ... many excellently written articles. The encyclopedia's richness extends beyond individual details to its cumulative effect.' - Mathematical Intelligencer

Ivor Grattan-Guinness is at Middlesex Polytechnic.