History of Mathematical Thought in Ancient and Modern Times (Volume 2)

Author: Morris Kline (USA), translated by Zhu Xuexian, Shen Youchang, Ye Qixiao, et al.
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2002-08-01
Features: This book discusses major mathematical creations and developments from ancient times to the first few decades of the 20th century, aiming to introduce the central ideas. It particularly focuses on the mainstream works that gradually emerged during the main periods of mathematical history and became prominent, influencing subsequent mathematical activities. The book is also deeply concerned with: perspectives on mathematics itself, the changes in such perspectives over different periods, and mathematicians' understanding of their own achievements. Some chapters of the book present samples of mathematics already created in the relevant fields, but I firmly believe these samples are representative. Furthermore, to keep the focus on the main ideas, I often omit minor conditions required for strict accuracy when citing theorems or results. The book, of course, has its limitations, but the author believes it provides an outline of the entire history. The organization of the book emphasizes leading mathematical topics rather than mathematicians. Each branch of mathematics is marked by its founders, and outstanding figures play a decisive role in shaping the course of mathematics.