Description
Book Synopsis: Based on a series of lectures delivered at Cornell University in the fall of 1949, and since revised, this is the standard non-technical coverage of Egyptian and Babylonian mathematics and astronomy, and their transmission to the Hellenistic world. Entirely modern in its data and conclusions, it reveals the surprising sophistication of certain areas of early science, particularly Babylonian mathematics. After a discussion of the number systems used in the ancient Near East (contrasting the Egyptian method of additive computations with unit fractions and Babylonian place values), Dr. Neugebauer covers Babylonian tables for numerical computation, approximations of the square root of 2 (with implications that the Pythagorean Theorem was known more than a thousand years before Pythagoras), Pythagorean numbers, quadratic equations with two unknowns, special cases of logarithms and various other algebraic and geometric cases. Babylonian strength in algebraic and numerical work reveals a level of mathematical development in many aspects comparable to the mathematics of the early Renaissance in Europe. This is in contrast to the relatively primitive Egyptian mathematics. In the realm of astronomy, too, Dr. Neugebauer describes an unexpected sophistication, which is interpreted less as the result of millennia of observations (as used to be the interpretation) than as a competent mathematical apparatus. The transmission of this early science and its further development in Hellenistic times is also described. An Appendix discusses certain aspects of Greek astronomy and the indebtedness of the Copernican system to Ptolemaic and Islamic methods.
Dr. Neugebauer has long enjoyed an international reputation as one of the foremost workers in the area of premodern science. Many of his discoveries have revolutionized earlier understandings. In this volume he presents a non-technical survey, with much material unique on this level, which can be read with great profit by all interested in the history of science or history of culture.
Details
Discover the hidden treasures of ancient mathematics and astronomy with "The Exact Sciences in Antiquity." This captivating book, based on a series of lectures delivered at Cornell University, takes you on a journey through the sophisticated world of Egyptian and Babylonian sciences. Uncover the surprising achievements of early civilizations and witness their profound impact on the Hellenistic era. With entirely modern data and conclusions, this non-technical read will leave you amazed at the level of mathematical development in these ancient societies.
Immerse yourself in the fascinating realm of Babylonian mathematics as you explore their numerical computation tables and their groundbreaking approximations of the square root of 2. Delve deeper into mathematical wonders such as Pythagorean numbers, quadratic equations with two unknowns, logarithms, and intriguing algebraic and geometric cases. Witness the brilliance of Babylonian strength in algebraic and numerical work, comparable to the mathematics of the early Renaissance in Europe. Contrasting the Egyptian mathematics, you'll see the remarkable contrast in sophistication.
But it doesn't end there. "The Exact Sciences in Antiquity" also unveils the unexpected sophistication of ancient astronomy. Dr. Neugebauer unveils a competent mathematical apparatus and challenges traditional interpretations by proposing that this sophistication is not solely based on millennia of observations. Dive into the transmission of this early science and its continued development in Hellenistic times. Explore the indebtedness of the Copernican system to Ptolemaic and Islamic methods.
Authored by Dr. Neugebauer, a renowned expert in premodern science, this volume offers a non-technical survey that presents unique material not found elsewhere. Whether you're passionate about the history of science or the history of culture, this book is a must-read. Expand your knowledge, feed your curiosity, and immerse yourself in the wonders of ancient science by grabbing your copy of "The Exact Sciences in Antiquity" today!
Ready to embark on an enlightening journey through the history of science and culture? Don't miss out on this captivating read. Order your copy of "The Exact Sciences in Antiquity" now by clicking here.
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