Springer - The Arithmetic of Infinitesimals - History of Math

Explore a landmark moment in mathematical history with this first English translation of John Wallis's Arithmetica Infinitorum (1656). As a key text in the seventeenth-century development of calculus, this work provides a direct link to the ideas that allowed Newton to build his own mathematical foundations. This edition makes Wallis's original work accessible to modern readers through careful translation and scholarly support. It provides insight into how seventeenth-century thinkers transitioned from geometry toward arithmetic and algebra as the primary methods for solving complex problems. By examining the ideas that shaped the era, readers can see how the mathematical landscape changed during this period. Whether you are a student of the history of science or a researcher in mathematics, this volume offers a rare opportunity to study the source material of the calculus revolution. It serves as a bridge between the early seventeenth-century developments and the subsequent era of Newtonian physics, making it an essential addition to any academic library focused on the history of mathematical and physical sciences.