A blog covering the history of STEM and how we got to where we are.
Aristotle and His Impact on the History of Mathematics and Science Aristotle (384–322 BCE) is one of the most influential philosophers and scientists in history. His contributions spanned a vast range of fields, including logic, biology, ethics, metaphysics, and, notably, mathematics and science. While Aristotle is often associated with philosophy, his work laid the groundwork …
Brahmadeva in Medieval India Brahmadeva (1060–1130 AD) was an important Indian mathematician and astronomer from the medieval period who made significant contributions to mathematics and astronomy, particularly through his commentary on the famous astronomical treatise “Aryabhatiya” by the renowned mathematician and astronomer Aryabhata. Though not as widely known in popular culture as Aryabhata or Brahmagupta, …
The Scytale: An Ancient Encryption Device Cryptography, the art of securing communication, has a long and fascinating history. From ancient methods used to protect military secrets to modern-day encryption algorithms safeguarding digital data, cryptography has been integral to human society. One of the earliest known encryption devices is the scytale, a tool used by the …
The Contributions of Adrien-Marie Legendre Adrien-Marie Legendre (1752-1833) was a French mathematician who made significant contributions to a wide range of mathematical fields, including number theory, geometry, algebra, and statistics. He was one of the most prominent figures in the mathematical community during the late 18th and early 19th centuries, and his work laid the …
Archimedes – The Father of Mathematics Archimedes of Syracuse, born in 287 BCE and considered one of the greatest mathematicians of antiquity, made groundbreaking contributions to mathematics, physics, and engineering. His inventive mind and rigorous methods laid foundational concepts for future generations, spanning the fields of geometry, calculus, and mechanics. Often called “the father of …
Conic Sections: A Journey Through History Conic sections are among the most important and enduring concepts in mathematics, with applications spanning from geometry and physics to astronomy and engineering. These shapes, which include circles, ellipses, parabolas, and hyperbolas, arise from the intersection of a plane and a double-napped cone. The development of the theory of …
Alfred of Saxony – Logic, Philosophy and Mathematics Alfred of Saxony, born around 1320 and deceased in 1390, was an influential figure in medieval European intellectual life. He was a philosopher, logician, theologian, and mathematician who played a significant role in the early development of mathematical thought during the late Middle Ages. Alfred’s intellectual contributions …
Democedes of Crotona: The Pioneering Greek Physician Democedes of Crotona was a Greek physician who lived during the 6th century BCE. His contributions to the fields of medicine and science, although often overshadowed by later figures, were significant and laid the groundwork for the evolution of medical practices in the ancient world. While not directly …
The Rhind Mathematical Papyrus is an ancient Egyptian document, dating back to around 1550 BCE, that provides a detailed insight into the mathematics practiced by the Egyptians. Named after Alexander Henry Rhind, the Scottish antiquarian who purchased it in 1858, the papyrus is a scroll over 5 meters long and contains 84 mathematical problems and …
Ptolemy: A Legacy of Mathematical and Scientific Innovation Claudius Ptolemy, commonly known simply as Ptolemy, was a Greek-Egyptian scholar whose work in mathematics, astronomy, geography, and optics left an indelible mark on the history of science. Living in the 2nd century AD, Ptolemy’s contributions to these fields were so profound that his works remained influential …