Search

Provides examples of algebraic geometry mathematicians who operated as philosophers of mathematics. Argues that there is no good reason why philosophizing about mathematics should be part of any given mathematician's activities. (ASK)

Discusses the connections and distinctions between mathematics, the philosophy of mathematics, and the history of mathematics. Presents Kant's views and proves that they were prevalent among mathematicians attracted to Kronecker's style of algebraic geometry. (Contains 15 references.) (ASK)

The article focuses on the response of French mathematician Henri Poincaré to an address by German mathematician David Hilbert at the International Congress of Mathematicians (ICM) in 1908 in Rome, Italy. It is inferred that Hilbert attracted many talented students due to the mathematical problems presented at the ICM in Paris, France in 1900. An English translation of the lecture "The Future of Mathematics," by Poincaré at the ICM in 1908 is presented.

For some years now, the history of modern mathematics and the history of modern science have developed independently. A step toward a reunification that would benefit both disciplines could come about through a revived appreciation of mathematical practice. Detailed studies of what mathematicians actually do, whether local or broadly based, have often led in recent work to examinations of the social, cultural, and national contexts, and more can be done. Another recent approach toward a historical understanding of the abstractness of modern mathematics has been to see it as a species of modernism, and this thesis will be tested by the raft of works on the history of modern applied mathematics currently under way. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article offers an overview of the life and work of Leonhard Euler (1707-83). During 2007 Euler's tercentenary was celebrated by mathematicians around the world. The Open University Centre for the History of the Mathematical Sciences and the BSHM marked the occasion with a meeting in Oxford in June 2007 on Euler's mathematical legacy. Three of the lectures from that meeting have been reproduced in this issue of the Bulletin, beginning here with the opening talk from Jeremy Gray. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a deliberately provocative first part to this paper, I argue that nineteenth-century British mathematicians had an unduly high opinion of themselves and a striking lack of appreciation for contemporary continental developments. I argue that this failure was rooted in the institutions that supported mathematics, and was only remedied towards the end of the century. In the more sober second half of the paper I ask if historians of mathematics have subscribed to this overestimate, and explore some related questions, among them what are historians doing when they write history: telling it as it was, or righting or defending the record? Historians of mathematics also need to consider British priorities for research in the nineteenth century, and a comparison with other minor players (such as Japan, Portugal, or Poland) might be illuminating. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deals with the history of the Cauchy Integral Theorem. Gateway to complex function theory; Goursat's proof of 1884; Alfred Pringsheim's critique of Goursat's proof, and many of its predecessors; Proof by mathematician J.L. Walsh.

Distinguishes the main themes of the correspondence between Swedish mathematician Gosta Mittag-Leffler and his French counterpart Henri Poincare. Creation of the periodical `Acta Mathematica' and the research on Fuchsian functions; Participation of Poincare in the 60th birthday celebration of Oscar II, King of Sweden; Attempt of Mittag-Leffler to have the Nobel prize in Physics awarded to theoreticians.

Focuses on the life and work of the mathematician David Hilbert of Germany, specifically dealing with his works on radiation theory and the kinetic theory of gases. Ideas introduced by Hilbert; Success of Hilbert's course on the kinetic theory of gases taught in 1911-12; Publications by Hilbert on kinetic theory and radiation theory.