Ideas of Space: Euclidean, Non-Euclidean, and Relativistic - Couverture souple

Gray, Jeremy

Couverture souple

ISBN 10 : 0198539347 ISBN 13 : 9780198539346

Editeur : Clarendon Press, 1989

Synopsis

The parallel postulate of Euclidean geometry occupies a unique position in the history of mathematics. This is an account of the history of the development of Euclidean, non-Euclidean and relativistic ideas of the shape of the universe. The author reviews the failure of classical attempts to prove the postulate, before showing how the work of Gauss, Lobachevskii and Bolyai laid the foundations of modern differential geometry by constructing geometries in which the parallel postulate fails. The material, which has been revised and updated for this edition, includes a chapter on the Arabic contribution to mathematical history.

A propos du livre

Présentation de l'éditeur

The history of the development of Euclidean, non-Euclidean, and relativistic ideas of the shape of the universe, is presented in this lively account by Jeremy Gray. The parallel postulate of Euclidean geometry occupies a unique position in the history of mathematics. In this book, Jeremy Gray reviews the failure of classical attempts to prove the postulate and then proceeds to show how the work of Gauss, Lobachevskii, and Bolyai, laid the foundations of modern differential geometry, by constructing geometries in which the parallel postulate fails. These investigations in turn enabled the formulation of Einstein's theories of special and general relativity, which today form the basis of our conception of the universe. The author has made every attempt to keep the pre-requisites to a bare minimum. This immensely readable account, contains historical and mathematical material which make it suitable for undergraduate students in the history of science and mathematics. For the second edition, the author has taken the opportunity to update much of the material, and to add a chapter on the emerging story of the Arabic contribution to this fascinating aspect of the history of mathematics.

Revue de presse

Reviews of this edition 'a very readable book that is stimulating and thought provoking.' New Scientist

From reviews of the first edition `Jeremy Gray has provided a superb exposition which tells a good story.' Mathematics Teaching

'This promises to become a classic text for those interested in considering changing mathematical perceptions of space. Gray's book is a pleasure to read.' Historia Mathematica

`An admirable exposition for well-educated laymen of the evolution of geometrical thought from before Euclid to black holes.' American Mathematical Monthly

Détails de l'édition

• Éditeur: Clarendon Press
• Date d'édition: 1989
• ISBN 10: 0198539347
• ISBN 13: 9780198539346
• Reliure: Broché
• Langue: anglais
• Numéro d'édition: 2
• Nombre de pages: 253
• Coordonnées du fabricant: non disponible