The Emergence of the American Mathematical Research Community, 1876-1900: J.J. Sylvester, Felix Klein, and E.H. Moore (History of Mathematics) (Hardcover)

~ (Author), David E. Rowe (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Review

One of the best books in the history of mathematics. Thoroughly referenced, it will satisfy your academic and historical urges. -- Journal of Recreational Mathematics

One of the best books in the history of mathematics. Thoroughly referenced, it will satisfy your academic and historical urges. --Journal of Recreational Mathematics --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Product Description

This volume traces the transformation of the United States from a mathematical backwater to a major presence during the quarter-century from 1876 to 1900. Presenting a detailed study of the major figures involved in this transformation, it focuses on the three most influential individuals---the British algebraist James Joseph Sylvester, the German standard-bearer Felix Klein, and the American mathematician Eliakim Hastings Moore---and on the principal institutions with which they were associated---the Johns Hopkins University, G @o ttingen University, and the University of Chicago. This book further analyses the research traditions these men and institutions represented, the impact these had on the second generation of American mathematical researchers, and the role of the American Mathematical Society in these developments. This is the first work ever written on the history of American mathematics during this period and one of the few books that examines the historical development of American mathematics from a wide perspective. This book is intended for general mathematical audience particularly those interested in the history of American mathematics and science.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 500 pages
• Publisher: Amer Mathematical Society (November 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0821890042
• ISBN-13: 978-0821890042
• Product Dimensions: 10.2 x 7.2 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #5,425,387 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The beginnings of American mathematical research, January 1, 2004

By	Charles Ashbacher "([e-mail])" (Marion, Iowa United States([e-mail])) - See all my reviews (TOP 50 REVIEWER)

Without question, the United States was an extremely dynamic, energetic country in the 19th century. However, in the area of mathematics, there was a very little. If one desired a solid mathematical education, Europe was the only answer. However, there were a few far-sighted individuals who understood how important mathematics is in a modern society.
While not well-known among the general community, one man's vision served to change the face of educational institutions in America. That man was Johns Hopkins who, when he died, bequeathed his fortune, around $7,000,000, to establish an educational institution in Baltimore where graduate education and research was to be emphasized. To build the mathematics department, Johns Hopkins University imported a British mathematician by the name of James Joseph Sylvester.
The trials and tribulations of building a world-class department from scratch is a tale that is very interesting to read. Creating the prototype of the modern department conducting research, many of their problems have a very familiar ring to them. The subsequent rapid progress is truly a tribute to those pioneers. Johns Hopkins opened in 1876 with an import as a department head, by only sixteen years later, in 1893, there was an international mathematics conference in Chicago.
While today that may not seem significant, at the time it took significant effort for a European to make the additional trip from the east coast to the Midwest. This is a tribute to the high quality of work already being done at the newly created University of Chicago and the head of the mathematics department, Eliakim Hastings Moore.
In between there were many trials, tribulations, tiffs, and tumbles, the combination of which make this one of the best books in the history of mathematics. Thoroughly referenced, it will satisfy your academic and historical urges.

Published in Journal of Recreational Mathematics, reprinted with permission.