jml@cs.strath.ac.uk (Joseph McLean) (11/05/86)
This is mainly for Bryan Cheung who I can't seem to reach by direct mail,but
might be of interest to others.
In answer to your request for references about the mathematical activities
of the Pythagoreans,I have just been reading two books which could help.
Unfortunately I had to take them back to the library recently and so I can't
give you a complete reference,but if you have any indexing catalogues
for your local library this should be no problem.
1) "A History of Mathematics" by Carl B. Boyer.This is an excellent book
which follows the history of mathematics through its evolution,detailing
particular contributions by mathematicians.In your case,the is an extensive
account of greek mathematics,including of course the Pythagoreans.
2) "An Introduction to the History of Mathematics" by Howard Eves.This is
less involved with the actual mathematics and more so with the various
philosophies which have occurred in respect to maths over the millenia.
Of course,since the Pythagoreans had a very particular philosophy,they
are included.
Note,in most books about the history of mathematics,the parts dwelling
on ancient maths is extensive,presumably since it is so long ago that it
is immutable.
The above two books are the best I have seen for general views.There
are many particular books on individuals or local subjects.The two above
books give references for each chapter for anyone wanting to go into
more detail.
jml,the helpful mathematician.