Heavenly Mathematics

The Forgotten Art of Spherical Trigonometry

Nonfiction, Science & Nature, Mathematics, History, Science, Physics, Astronomy
Cover of the book Heavenly Mathematics by Glen Van Brummelen, Princeton University Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Glen Van Brummelen ISBN: 9781400844807
Publisher: Princeton University Press Publication: December 23, 2012
Imprint: Princeton University Press Language: English
Author: Glen Van Brummelen
ISBN: 9781400844807
Publisher: Princeton University Press
Publication: December 23, 2012
Imprint: Princeton University Press
Language: English

Spherical trigonometry was at the heart of astronomy and ocean-going navigation for two millennia. The discipline was a mainstay of mathematics education for centuries, and it was a standard subject in high schools until the 1950s. Today, however, it is rarely taught. Heavenly Mathematics traces the rich history of this forgotten art, revealing how the cultures of classical Greece, medieval Islam, and the modern West used spherical trigonometry to chart the heavens and the Earth. Glen Van Brummelen explores this exquisite branch of mathematics and its role in ancient astronomy, geography, and cartography; Islamic religious rituals; celestial navigation; polyhedra; stereographic projection; and more. He conveys the sheer beauty of spherical trigonometry, providing readers with a new appreciation for its elegant proofs and often surprising conclusions.

Heavenly Mathematics is illustrated throughout with stunning historical images and informative drawings and diagrams that have been used to teach the subject in the past. This unique compendium also features easy-to-use appendixes as well as exercises at the end of each chapter that originally appeared in textbooks from the eighteenth to the early twentieth centuries.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Spherical trigonometry was at the heart of astronomy and ocean-going navigation for two millennia. The discipline was a mainstay of mathematics education for centuries, and it was a standard subject in high schools until the 1950s. Today, however, it is rarely taught. Heavenly Mathematics traces the rich history of this forgotten art, revealing how the cultures of classical Greece, medieval Islam, and the modern West used spherical trigonometry to chart the heavens and the Earth. Glen Van Brummelen explores this exquisite branch of mathematics and its role in ancient astronomy, geography, and cartography; Islamic religious rituals; celestial navigation; polyhedra; stereographic projection; and more. He conveys the sheer beauty of spherical trigonometry, providing readers with a new appreciation for its elegant proofs and often surprising conclusions.

Heavenly Mathematics is illustrated throughout with stunning historical images and informative drawings and diagrams that have been used to teach the subject in the past. This unique compendium also features easy-to-use appendixes as well as exercises at the end of each chapter that originally appeared in textbooks from the eighteenth to the early twentieth centuries.

More books from Princeton University Press

Cover of the book Come Out Swinging by Glen Van Brummelen
Cover of the book Why? by Glen Van Brummelen
Cover of the book The Modern Spirit of Asia by Glen Van Brummelen
Cover of the book When People Come First by Glen Van Brummelen
Cover of the book Between Citizens and the State by Glen Van Brummelen
Cover of the book The "Dead Sea Scrolls" by Glen Van Brummelen
Cover of the book War Powers by Glen Van Brummelen
Cover of the book The Power of Cute by Glen Van Brummelen
Cover of the book Eclipse of God by Glen Van Brummelen
Cover of the book The Bounds of Reason by Glen Van Brummelen
Cover of the book Genetics in the Madhouse by Glen Van Brummelen
Cover of the book Alban Berg and His World by Glen Van Brummelen
Cover of the book Chases and Escapes by Glen Van Brummelen
Cover of the book Murder at the Margin by Glen Van Brummelen
Cover of the book Political Bubbles by Glen Van Brummelen
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy