Book description
Explores the development of the ellipse and presents mathematical
concepts within a rich, historical context
The Ellipse features a unique, narrative approach when
presenting the development of this mathematical fixture, revealing its
parallels to mankind's advancement from the Counter-Reformation to the
Enlightenment. Incorporating illuminating historical background and
examples, the author brings together basic concepts from geometry,
algebra, trigonometry, and calculus to uncover the ellipse as the
shape of a planet's orbit around the sun.
The book begins with a discussion that tells the story of man's
pursuit of the ellipse, from Aristarchus to Newton's successful
unveiling nearly two millenniums later. The narrative draws insightful
similarities between mathematical developments and the advancement of
the Greeks, Romans, Medieval Europe, and Renaissance Europe. The
author begins each chapter by setting the historical backdrop that is
pertinent to the mathematical material that is discussed, equipping
readers with the knowledge to fully grasp the presented examples and
derive the ellipse as the planetary pathway. All topics are presented
in both historical and mathematical contexts, and additional
mathematical excursions are clearly marked so that readers have a
guidepost for the materials' relevance to the development of the ellipse.
The Ellipse is an excellent book for courses on the history of
mathematics at the undergraduate level. It is also a fascinating
reference for mathematicians, engineers, or anyone with a general
interest in historical mathematics.
Arthur Mazer, PhD, is Manager of Quantitative
Analytics at Southern California Edison, where he oversees the risk
assessment of the company's power and gas portfolio. Throughout his
career, he has held various academic positions as well as analyst
positions at Electrabel, Process Energy, and Energy Power Marketing
Company. Dr. Mazer is the author of Electric Power Planning for
Regulated and Deregulated Markets, also published by Wiley.
