A History of Elementary Mathematics

By Florian Cajori and Cajori

Book Overview

"A History of Elementary Mathematics" by Florian Cajori offers a comprehensive exploration of the development of mathematical concepts and methods from ancient times to the late 19th century. This meticulously researched work traces the evolution of arithmetic, geometry, and algebra as they were taught in elementary education.

Cajori's book illuminates the gradual refinement of mathematical notation, the influence of various cultures on mathematical thought, and the contributions of key figures in shaping the elementary mathematics curriculum. It is an invaluable resource for educators, historians of science, and anyone interested in understanding the historical roots of modern mathematical knowledge. This historical journey provides context and depth to the understanding of fundamental mathematical principles, making it a timeless and relevant work for scholars and enthusiasts alike.

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you will see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.

This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.

As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1143067029
• ISBN13: 9781143067020
• Release Date: January 2010
• Publisher: Nabu Press
• Length: 450 Pages
• Weight: 1.38 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 6.1" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

long out of print

Dover has done historians and students of mathematics a favour by publishing this long out of print text, from 1917. It was a seminal study of how mathematics developed in the ancient world. Cajori focused on the classical realm of the Mediterranean world. But then also in more recent times, when Europe was in its Dark Ages. He explains how the Arabs and Indians gave their contributions. Especially the role of the Arabs in, albeit inadvertantly, nurturing the maths knowledge painfully accrued in past millenia. Unlike recent texts, there are no snazzy diagrams or whatnot to enliven the narrative. Figures in books were very expensive to arrange in the 1910s. But the writing itself remains lucid.