1.

Record Nr.

UNINA9910438325503321

Autore

Meskens Ad

Titolo

Practical mathematics in a commercial metropolis : mathematical life in late 16th century Antwerp / / Ad Meskens ; drawings by Paul Tytgat

Pubbl/distr/stampa

Dordrecht, : Springer, 2013

ISBN

1-299-40808-7

94-007-5721-2

Edizione

[1st ed. 2013.]

Descrizione fisica

1 online resource (268 p.)

Collana

Archimedes ; ; v.31

Disciplina

510.9

510.949322209031

Soggetti

Mathematics - Antwerp (Belgium) - History - 16th century

Antwerp (Belgium) History 16th century

Lingua di pubblicazione

Inglese

Formato

Materiale a stampa

Livello bibliografico

Monografia

Note generali

Description based upon print version of record.

Nota di bibliografia

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Nota di contenuto

1 Preface -- 2 Introduction -- 3 The Family Coignet -- 4 Peeter Heyns and the Nymphs of the Laurel Tree -- 5 The Arithmetic Teacher and his School -- 6 The Antwerp arithmetic books -- 7 Winegauging -- 8 Instrumentmakers -- 9 The Art of Navigation -- 10 Mapping the World -- 11 Looking towards the Stars -- 12 Ballistics and fortifications -- 13 Conclusion -- Appendices -- Index.

Sommario/riassunto

This volumedescribes the development and the ultimate demise of the practice of mathematics in sixteenth century Antwerp. Against the background of the violent history of the Religious Wars the story of the practice of mathematics in Antwerp is told through the lives of two protagonists Michiel Coignet and Peeter Heyns. The book touches on all aspects of practical mathematics from teaching  and instrument making to the practice of building fortifications of the practice of navigation.