History of Math and Technology
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 …
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, …
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 …
Liu Xin: A Pioneer in Mathematics and Science in Ancient China Liu Xin (c. 50 BCE – 23 CE) was a prominent Chinese mathematician, astronomer, and scholar who lived during the Western Han dynasty. His intellectual achievements and contributions significantly influenced mathematics, astronomy, and the standardization of knowledge in ancient China. Liu Xin’s interdisciplinary expertise …
The Father of Geometry Euclid, often referred to as the “Father of Geometry,” was an ancient Greek mathematician whose work has had an enduring influence on mathematics and science for over two millennia. He is best known for his monumental treatise Elements, a 13-book compilation of mathematical knowledge that organized and systematized much of the …
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, …
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 …