A Collection of Examples of the Applications of the Calculus of Finite Differences. Cambridge: Printed by J. Smith, Printer to the University, 1820. First edition, iv, [2], 171, [1]pp., some prelims foxed. [Bound with:] BABBAGE (Charles) Examples of the Solutions of Functional Equations. s.n., 1820]. First edition, [4], 42pp., one engraved plate, some light spotting. 2 works in one, 8vo (225 x 145 mm), orig. boards, rebacked with new printed paper label, uncut. [Sold with:] PEACOCK (George) A Collection of Examples of the Applications of Differential and Integral Calculus.

HERSCHEL (John Frederick William)

Published by Cambridge: Printed by J. Smith Printer to the University, 1820

About this Item

First edition, 8vo (220 x 140 mm), viii, 506pp., 6 folding diagram plates to rear, some occasional light spotting, orig. boards, printed paper label to spine, rubbed, uncut. While at Cambridge Babbage and his friends in the Analytical Society fought a battle with the Cambridge establishment to replace the Newtonian dot notation for the calculus with the more powerful Leibnizian dx/dy notation. To this end, Babbage, Herschel and Peacock translated Lacroix's elementary treatise on the calculus which, like all continental works, followed Leibniz. The change over continued to move slowly and Babbage decided it was necessary to provide some worked examples, which took the form of the present works. Within a few years Babbage had won the day and British mathematicians, no longer impeded by an imperfect notation, began to catch up with their continental rivals. Seller Inventory # 36985

Bibliographic Details

Title: A Collection of Examples of the Applications...

Publisher: Cambridge: Printed by J. Smith Printer to the University

Publication Date: 1820

Binding: Hardcover

Edition: 1st Edition