Unrolling Time

Christiaan Huygens and the Mathematization of Nature

By: Joella Gerstmeyer Yoder

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Hardcover | 4 September 1989

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Hardcover
256 Pages

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22.86 x 15.24 x 1.91

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This case study examines the interrelationship between mathematics and physics in the work of one of the major figures of the Scientific Revolution, the Dutch mathematician, physicist, and astronomer, Christiaan Huygens (1629-1695). Professor Yoder offers a detailed account of the discoveries that Huygens made at the end of 1659, including the invention of a pendulum clock that theoretically kept absolutely uniform time, and the creation of a mathematical theory of evolutes. She also describes the way that each of these important discoveries arose from the interaction of Huygens' mathematics and physics. A discussion of Huygens' relationship with other scientists and the priority disputes that sometimes motivated his research help place his work in the context of the period. The reception of Huygens' masterpiece, the Horologium Oscillatorium of 1673 and the place of evolutes in the history of mathematics are also analyzed. Finally, the role of Huygens in the rise of applied mathematics is addressed.

Industry Reviews

"In her account of Huygen's mathematical reasonings, Yoder achieves an admirable combination of clarity and concision with faithfulness to the original. Her book casts a new and clear light on a mid-seventeenth-century phase of the scientific revolution." The Eighteenth Century "...a significant contribution to scholarship on Huygens and to our understanding of scientific thinking in his time." Choice "...an enlightening, sometimes surprising account fo the 'beautiful, intricate display of creativity.'" Perceptual and Motor Skills "...Yoder has written a little gem of modern history of science at its scholarly best...it deserves to be read outside the confines of that discipline." Contemporary Physics

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Non-Fiction Biographies & True Stories Biographies Science, Technology & Medicine Biographies Science Science in General History of Science Mathematics Engineering & Technology Technology in General History of Engineering & Technology

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Paperback

Published: 8th July 2004

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Preface
Introduction
Accelerated motion: gravity
Accelerated motion: curvilinear fall
Evolutes
Curvature
Rectification
Diversions
Conclusion
Notes
Bibliography
Index
Table of Contents provided by Publisher. All Rights Reserved.

Unrolling Time

Christiaan Huygens and the Mathematization of Nature

At a Glance

Hardcover

Industry Reviews

Shipping

How to return your order

Defective items

You Can Find This Book In

Other Editions and Formats

Paperback

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