Overview

The central theme of this volume lies in the medieval consciousness of mathematics, and the variety of strategies adopted to apply it in other areas, notably natural philosophy. In diachromic terms, Dr Molland considers ways in which ancient mathematics (particularly geometry) was assimilated in the Middle Ages, and how it was radically transformed in the 17th century, especially by Descartes. A pervasive concern is with ideas of scientific progress: the author argues that medieval commentatorial and disputational modes encouraged probing attitudes to existing knowledge, aimed at deepening individual understanding, rather than more aggressive endeavours to advance public knowledge characteristic of later periods. What brought about this change is the subject of several studies here; others form more specifically on individual scholars, in particular the important figure of Roger Bacon.

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9780860784708

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Reviews

'This book contains a wealth of information in 17 skillfully crafted individual chapters...a valuable addition to the literature on the history of mathematics. Its depth and detail give compelling evidence that modern mathematical sensibility is far different from that of the medieval world.' Choice 'Molland has a broad and deep acquaintance with a wide range of medieval and early modern mathematical and physical work, his judgment is typically sound ...and he is often able to present a convincing picture of 'how a theory actually appeared integrally to the minds of its propagators'. That..is what historians of medieval mathematics and science should aim for. ' Vivarium, Vol. XXXVI, No. 2

'This book contains a wealth of information in 17 skillfully crafted individual chapters...a valuable addition to the literature on the history of mathematics. Its depth and detail give compelling evidence that modern mathematical sensibility is far different from that of the medieval world.' Choice 'Molland has a broad and deep acquaintance with a wide range of medieval and early modern mathematical and physical work, his judgment is typically sound ...and he is often able to present a convincing picture of ’how a theory actually appeared integrally to the minds of its propagators’. That..is what historians of medieval mathematics and science should aim for. ' Vivarium, Vol. XXXVI, No. 2

Author Information

George Molland, University of Aberdeen, UK

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