John Napier: Life, Logarithms, and Legacy by Julian Havil (PDF)

Description

The most comprehensive account of the mathematician’s life and workJohn Napier (1550–1617) is celebrated today as the man who invented logarithms—an enormous intellectual achievement that would soon lead to the development of their mechanical equivalent in the slide rule: the two would serve humanity as the principal means of calculation until the mid-1970s. Yet, despite Napier’s pioneering efforts, his life and work have not attracted detailed modern scrutiny. John Napier is the first contemporary biography to take an in-depth look at the multiple facets of Napier’s story: his privileged position as the eighth Laird of Merchiston and the son of influential Scottish landowners; his reputation as a magician who dabbled in alchemy; his interest in agriculture; his involvement with a notorious outlaw; his staunch anti-Catholic beliefs; his interactions with such peers as Henry Briggs, Johannes Kepler, and Tycho Brahe; and, most notably, his estimable mathematical legacy.Julian Havil explores Napier’s original development of logarithms, the motivations for his approach, and the reasons behind certain adjustments to them. Napier’s inventive mathematical ideas also include formulas for solving spherical triangles, “Napier’s Bones” (a more basic but extremely popular alternative device for calculation), and the use of decimal notation for fractions and binary arithmetic. Havil also considers Napier’s study of the Book of Revelation, which led to his prediction of the Apocalypse in his first book, A Plaine Discovery of the Whole Revelation of St. John—the work for which Napier believed he would be most remembered.John Napier assesses one man’s life and the lasting influence of his advancements on the mathematical sciences and beyond.

User’s Reviews

Reviews from Amazon users which were colected at the time this book was published on the website:

⭐Haven’t had a chance to read much of it, but it is good like all of Julian Havils books I have. He isan excellent writer.

⭐A great book, and a no problem transaction.

⭐I am reviewing this book as one for a general audience, which I believe it states in the introduction. This book is at its best when discussing Napier’s religious works, where little background is needed. Once it transitions to his mathematical work, the book becomes difficult and obscure. It does not provide enough explanation for a general audience or is it well formatted. It seems to some degree that the author just follows Napier’s published works book by book rather than trying to give a holistic account of his work along with the necessary modern math so that the reader will be well equipped to understand what is going on.I would recommend this book for a retired engineers, for whom logarithms bring back fond memories, and those with degrees in mathematics who might be better equipped to decipher the bits that are unusually presented. It does not seem to me to be a book for a general audience.

⭐Another “great” from Mr. Havil. Keep on writing Sir.

⭐O livro atendeu as expectativas. Sem falar do atendimento dentro do prazo. Com certeza adquirirei nos produtos em breve. O preço excelente.

⭐

⭐Excellent.Very Happy.Happy New Year 2015 !

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