The historical development of the calculus

by Charles Henry Edwards

This is a lucid account of the highlights in the historical development of the calculus from ancient to modern times from the beginnings of geometry in antiquity to the nonstandard analysis of the twentieth century. It emphasizes the genesis and evolution of both fundamental concepts and computational techniques. The intended audience includes not only students of the history of mathematics, but also the wider mathematical community, specifically those who study, teach and use calculus. Among the distinctive features of this exposition are historically motivated exercises and carefully chosen illustrative examples. Numerous sections of the book are suitable for use in courses in introductory and advanced calculus as well as the general history of mathematics.

Genres: Mathematics, History

351 pages, Hardcover

First published June 24, 1994

About the author

Charles Henry Edwards
AKA C. Henry Edwards and C.H. Edwards

Reviews

[Laura Petto · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is probably the best book on the history of calc that I have read. Also, led to other fantastic sources.

[Philip Gipson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Despite being a mathematician, rarely have I read a math textbook cover-to-cover. This one I did.

The book covers what it says in its title: the historical development of (the) calculus beginning with Greek antiquity and Archimedes (~300BC); proceeding through Newton and Leibniz (17th century); and concluding with Euler, Cauchy, and Riemann (18th and 19th century). Along the way it also provides a overview of the development of mathematical thought, language, and notation that facilitated calculus.

While technically readable by an advanced undergraduate, a reader with a Master's or more in math will probably enjoy it the most.

[Benjamin Hays · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting albeit a little dense in areas