A blog covering the history of STEM and how we got to where we are.
Wang Fan: His Impact on the History of Mathematics and Science Wang Fan (王蕃), a lesser-known yet influential Chinese mathematician and astronomer from the Three Kingdoms period (220–280 CE), made significant contributions to the development of mathematics and science in ancient China. While his name may not be as widely recognized as that of other …
Bhaskara I (c. 600–c. 680 CE) was a prominent Indian mathematician and astronomer who played a crucial role in the development of mathematical concepts and astronomical methods in ancient India. While his name is often overshadowed by the later Indian mathematician Bhaskara II (also known as Bhaskaracharya), Bhaskara I’s contributions were significant and have had …
Pascal’s Triangle is one of the most recognizable patterns in mathematics, featuring a triangular arrangement of numbers with significant properties and applications. Although it is named after Blaise Pascal, the famous French mathematician and philosopher who studied and formalized its structure in the 17th century, the concept behind Pascal’s Triangle dates back to ancient civilizations. …
Daniel Bernoulli: The Mathematician Who Bridged Mathematics and Science Daniel Bernoulli (1700–1782) was a Swiss mathematician and physicist, widely regarded as one of the leading figures in the history of science. As a member of the renowned Bernoulli family, which produced several prominent mathematicians, Daniel carved his own legacy by blending mathematical theory with practical …
Bonaventura Cavalieri (1598–1647) was an Italian mathematician and a key figure in the early development of calculus and geometry. Known for his groundbreaking work in infinitesimal methods, Cavalieri’s ideas laid the groundwork for future mathematical advancements by Isaac Newton, Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz, and others. His contributions to mathematics and science are celebrated as milestones in …
Euclidean geometry is one of the cornerstones of mathematics, shaping our understanding of space, structure, and relationships between shapes. Originating in ancient Greece, this branch of geometry owes its name and foundation to the Greek mathematician Euclid, often referred to as the “Father of Geometry.” Euclid’s work, Elements, provided a systematic and logical framework for …
Hipparchus: The Father of Trigonometry Hipparchus of Nicaea (c. 190 BCE – c. 120 BCE) stands as one of the most influential figures in the history of mathematics and science. A Greek astronomer, mathematician, and geographer, Hipparchus made groundbreaking contributions that laid the foundation for many fields, particularly astronomy and trigonometry. His innovative methods and …
Apollonius of Perga: The Geometer Who Shaped Mathematics and Science Apollonius of Perga (circa 262 BCE – circa 190 BCE) stands as one of the most influential figures in the history of mathematics and science. Known primarily as “The Great Geometer,” his work on conic sections laid the foundation for numerous developments in mathematics, astronomy, …
The History of Logarithms Logarithms, a fundamental mathematical concept, have significantly shaped the development of mathematics, science, and technology. By transforming complex multiplications into simpler additions, logarithms revolutionized calculations and laid the groundwork for advances in astronomy, engineering, and physics. The Origins of Logarithms: Napier’s Insight The concept of logarithms was first introduced in the …
Plato: The Philosopher Who Shaped Mathematics and Science Plato (427–347 BCE), one of the most influential philosophers in history, is renowned for his profound impact on Western thought. His contributions extended beyond philosophy, deeply influencing mathematics, science, and education. Through his dialogues, his establishment of the Academy, and his philosophical principles, Plato laid critical groundwork …