Synopsis
The Geometry of Rene Descartes is a mathematical treatise written by the famous philosopher and mathematician, Rene Descartes. The book was first published in Latin in 1637, and it is considered one of the most important works in the history of mathematics. The Geometry of Rene Descartes is a groundbreaking work that introduced the concept of analytic geometry, which is the study of geometry using algebraic methods. In this book, Descartes explains how to use algebraic equations to represent geometric shapes, and how to use these equations to solve geometric problems. He also introduces the concept of the Cartesian coordinate system, which is a system of coordinates used to locate points in space. The Geometry of Rene Descartes is divided into three parts. The first part is an introduction to the principles of analytic geometry, including the Cartesian coordinate system. The second part is a detailed explanation of how to use algebraic equations to represent geometric shapes, such as lines, circles, and conic sections. The third part is a collection of problems and solutions that demonstrate the practical applications of analytic geometry. Overall, The Geometry of Rene Descartes is a seminal work in the history of mathematics, and it continues to be studied and admired by mathematicians and philosophers today. It is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of mathematics, or in the development of modern mathematical concepts.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.
From the Back Cover
This is an unabridged republication of the definitive English translation of one of the very greatest classics of science. Originally published in 1637, it has been characterized as "the greatest single step ever made in the progress of the exact sciences" (John Stuart Mill); as a book which "remade geometry and made modern geometry possible" (Eric Temple Bell). It "revolutionized the entire conception of the object of mathematical science" (J. Hadamard).With this volume Descartes founded modern analytical geometry. Reducing geometry to algebra and analysis and, conversely, showing that analysis may be translated into geometry, it opened the way for modern mathematics. Descartes was the first to classify curves systematically and to demonstrate algebraic solution of geometric curves. His geometric interpretation of negative quantities led to later concepts of continuity and the theory of function. The third book contains important contributions to the theory of equations.This edition contains the entire definitive Smith-Latham translation of Descartes' three books: Problems the Construction of which Requires Only Straight Lines and Circles; On the Nature of Curved Lines; and On the Construction of Solid and Supersolid Problems. Interleaved page by page with the translation is a complete facsimile of the 1637 French text, together with all Descartes' original illustrations; 248 footnotes explain the text and add further bibliography.
Translated by David E. Smith and Marcia L. Latham.
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