Mobius and his Band: Mathematics and Astronomy in Nineteenth-Century Germany by John Fauvel (PDF)

Description

August Mobius was one of the 19th century’s most influential mathematicians and astronomers. Written by six distinguished contributors, this book explores the work of Mobius and his brilliant German contemporaries. The work emphasizes those achievements which in many ways can be seen to reflect the exciting advances taking place at the time throughout the entire scientific world. The background to Mobius’s life and labors is provided by John Fauvel. Gert Schubring examines the mathematical community in 19th-century Germany, while Allan Chapman describes the revolution in astronomy that took place during the period. Jeremy Gray analyzes Mobius’s contribution to geometrical mechanics and Norman Biggs traces his role in the development of topological ideas. Finally, Ian Stewart explores the legacy Mobius left to mathematics in our own century. This stimulating volume will appeal to all scientists in the fields that Mobius helped advance–physics, mathematics, and astronomy–aswell as general readers interested in the history of science.

User’s Reviews

Editorial Reviews: Review “The book looks good: it sports an attractive multicolored jacket, and is well illustrated, with many photographs of places and instruments, and a nice gallery of engravings of German mathematicians. There are also numerous mathematical diagrams, all clear and relevant, and the many mathematical equations are expressions are well set out. . . . a useful history of some aspects of German astronomy and mathematics in the nineteenth century, especially as seen in relation to modern advances.” –Nature”Generously priced, it is unusually readable for books of its kind — and also viewable, being graced with many excellent portraits, scenes, and mathematical illustrations.” –Times Higher Education Supplement”The collection includes historical, sociological, and chronological essays, as well as more detailed writings about some of Mobius’ most distinguished work in geometry, his development of barycentric calculus, and how his work factors into use today.” –Science News”Each essay is written by a respected historian in mathematics and science. In addition to an extensive index, the text overflows with helpful mathematical diagrams and fascinating pictures of the historical figures surrounding this man. Overall, a book of interest and value to historians, mathematicians, and the interested reader.” –Choice”[This] is a book that both general and specialist readers will appreciate…. Richly illustrated with photographs and diagrams which enhance the text….The writing and the ideas discussed are enhanced by vivid analogies…and comprehendable explanations.”–School Science and Mathematics From the Back Cover Most people have heard of the Mobius band. But the work and influence of August Mobius are more far-reaching than a topological toy. For some fifty years of the nineteenth century, August Mobius taught astronomy and researched in mathematics at Leipzig University. During those years, which saw the German nation move towards unification, German mathematics developed into the most powerful and influential in the world and German astronomers became the world leaders. How did this come about? In this fascinating, richly illustrated, and accessible book, leading scholars assess the contribution of Mobius and others of his time to the practice of mathematics and astronomy today. Mobius and his band has been written for all those interested in the historical development of ideas and their legacy, and thus both the general reader and specialists in particular fields will find much of interest. About the Author John Fauvel, Lecturer in Mathematics, The Open University. Raymond Flood, University Lecturer in Computing and Mathematics, Department for Continuing Education, Oxford University. Robin Wilson, Senior Lecturer in Mathematics, The Open University. Read more

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