Benjamin Franklin's numbers : an unsung mathematical odyssey / Paul C. Pasles.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Pasles, Paul C., 1968-

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Franklin, Benjamin, 1706-1790.

Franklin, Benjamin.

Mathematics--History.

Mathematics.

Magic squares.

Mathematical recreations.

History.

Physical Description:

254 pages, 8 unnumbered pages of plates : illustrations (some color) ; 24 cm

Place of Publication:

Princeton, NJ : Princeton University Press, [2008]

Summary:

"This is the first book to comprehensively treat Franklin's mathematical work. We see here, for the first time in one place, all of Franklin's mathematical squares and circles. And we see how Franklin used mathematical ideas in his scientific work and in many of his other accomplishments. There is no comparable book on the mathematics of Benjamin Franklin."--Victor J. Katz, professor emeritus, University of the District of Columbia

"It takes someone with a mathematician's background to be able to analyze the true talent that Franklin exhibited in the field, and until now none of his biographers has had the requisite knowledge. Pasles's portrayal of both the human side and logical self of Benjamin Franklin is captivating."--David E. Zitarelli, Temple University

Contents:

1 The Book Franklin Never Wrote 1

2 A Brief History of Magic 20

3 Almanacs and Assembly 61

Interlude: Philomath Math 83

4 Publisher, Theorist, Inventor, Innovator 87

5 A Visit to the Country 117

6 The Mutation Spreads (Adventures Among the English) 141

7 Circling the Square 158

8 Newly Unearthed Discoveries 191

9 Legacy 226.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Local Notes:

Athenaeum copy: Beardwood fund bookplate.

ISBN:

9780691129563

0691129568

Online:

Publisher description

Contributor biographical information