The Romance of Mathematics E-Book

P. H. Ditchfield

• Herausgeber: DigiCat
• Kategorie: Wissenschaft und neue Technologien
• Sprache: Englisch

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2022

Beschreibung

In "The Romance of Mathematics," P. H. Ditchfield presents a compelling exploration of the enchanting yet often overlooked relationship between mathematics and its broader cultural significance. Through a vivid narrative infused with historical context, Ditchfield invites readers to admire the elegance of mathematical concepts while revealing their profound connections to art, philosophy, and everyday life. His literary style captivates with poetic flair, turning complex theories into accessible insights that engage both the mind and the imagination. This work stands as a testament to the beauty of mathematics, offering a refreshing perspective within the burgeoning field of popular mathematics literature in the early 20th century. Ditchfield, a renowned educator and author, possessed a profound love for mathematics and its historical implications, which undoubtedly influenced his writing. His background in both mathematics and literature allowed him to weave intricate narratives that resonate with readers of varied backgrounds. Notably, Ditchfield's extensive involvement in educational reform and his passion for disseminating knowledge to broader audiences underline his commitment to fostering appreciation for mathematics. Readers are encouraged to delve into "The Romance of Mathematics" as it not only illuminates the elegance of numbers but also fosters a deeper understanding of their relevance in our world. Engaging and thought-provoking, this book serves as a beautiful introduction to the hidden romances that exist within the mathematical universe, making it a must-read for enthusiasts and novices alike.

Leseprobe

P. H. Ditchfield

The Romance of Mathematics

 

EAN 8596547329855

DigiCat, 2022 Contact: [email protected]

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BEING THE ORIGINAL RESEARCHES OF IN

BY P. HAMPSON, M.A., ORIEL COLLEGE, OXFORD.

[ v ] INTRODUCTION.

[ ix ] CONTENTS.

[ 1 ] PAPER I.

SOME REMARKS OF A GIRTHAM GIRL ON FEMALE EDUCATION.

[ 15 ] PAPER II.

LECTURE ON THE THEORY OF BRAIN WAVES AND THE TRANSMIGRATION AND POTENTIALITY OF MENTAL FORCES.

[ 25 ] PAPER III.

LECTURE ON THE SOCIAL PROPERTIES OF A CONIC SECTION, AND THE THEORY OF POLEMICAL MATHEMATICS.

[ 39 ] PAPER IV.

THE SOCIAL PROPERTIES OF A CONIC SECTION, AND THE THEORY OF POLEMICAL MATHEMATICS—(continued) .

[ 71 ] PAPER V.

A LECTURE UPON SOCIAL FORCES, WITH SOME ACCOUNT OF POLEMICAL KINEMATICS.

[ 89 ] PAPER VI.

ON SOCIAL FORCES (continued) —POLEMICAL STATICS AND DYNAMICS.

[ 101 ] PAPER VII.

LAWS OF POLITICAL MOTION.

[ 115 ] PAPER VIII.

ON THE PRINCIPLE OF POLEMICAL COHESION.

[ 125 ] Extracts from the Author’s Diary.

BEING THE ORIGINAL RESEARCHESOFIN

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Polemical Science, with some Account of the Social Properties of a Conic; Equations to Brain Waves; Social Forces; and the Laws of Political Motion.

BYP. HAMPSON, M.A.,ORIEL COLLEGE, OXFORD.

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LONDON: ELLIOT STOCK, 62, PATERNOSTER ROW. 1886.

[v]INTRODUCTION.

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The lectures, essays, and other matter contained in these pages have been discovered recently in a well-worn desk which was formerly the property of a Lady Professor of Girtham College; and as they contain some original thoughts and investigations, they have been considered worthy of publication.

How they came into the possession of the present writer it is not his intention to disclose; but inasmuch as they seemed to his unscientific mind to contain some important discoveries which might be useful to the world, he determined to investigate thoroughly the contents of the mysterious desk, and make the public acquainted with its profound treasures. He found some documents which did not refer exactly to the subject of ‘Polemical Mathematics;’ but knowing the truth of the Hindoo [vi] proverb, ‘The words of the wise are precious, and never to be disregarded,’ and feeling sure that this Lady Professor of Girtham College was entitled to that appellation, he ventured to include them in this volume, and felt confident that in so doing he would be carrying out the intention of the Authoress, had she expressed any wishes on the subject. In fact, as he valued the interests of the State and his own peace of mind, he dared not withhold any particle of that which he conceived would confer a lasting benefit on mankind.

Internal evidence seems to show that the earlier portion of the MS. was written during the period when the authoress was still in statu pupillari; but her learning was soon recognised by the Collegiate Authorities, and she was speedily elected to a Professorship. Her lectures were principally devoted to the abstruse subject of Scientific Politics, and are worthy of the attention of all those whose high duty it is to regulate the affairs of the State.

The Editor has been able to gather from [vii] the varied contents of the desk some details of the Author’s life, which increase the interest which her words excite; and he ventures to hope that the public will appreciate the wisdom which created such a profound impression upon those whose high privilege it was to hear the lectures for the first time in the Hall of Girtham College.

[ix]CONTENTS.

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PAPERPAGEI.Some Remarks on Female Education:Cambridge Man’s Powers of Application.—Torturing Ingenuity of Examiners.—Slaying an Enemy.—‘Concentration.’—‘Tangential Action.’—‘Gravity’1II.Lecture on the Theory of Brain Waves and the Transmigration and Potentiality of Mental Forces15III.The Social Properties of a Conic Section, and the Theory of Polemical Mathematics:‘Circle.’—‘Parabola.’—‘Ellipse.’ ‘Eccentricity of Curves’25[x]IV.The Social Properties of a Conic Section (continued):‘Ellipse.’—Most favoured State.—Alarming Result of Suppression of House of Lords.—Analogies of Nature.—Directrix.—Contact of Curves and States.—‘Hyperbola.’—Problems.—Radical Axis and Patriotism.—Extension of Franchise to Women.—Correspondence39V.Social Forces, with some Account of Polemical Kinematics:The Use of Imagination in Scientific Discovery.—Kinetic and Potential Energy.—Social Statics and Dynamics.—Attractive Forces.—Cohesion.—Formation of States.—Inertia.—Dr. Tyndall on Social Forces71VI.Social Forces (continued): Polemical Statics and Dynamics:‘Personal Equation.’—Public Opinion, how calculated.—Impulsive Forces.—Friction.—Progress89[xi]VII.Laws of Political Motion:M. Auguste Comte on Political Science.—First Law of Motion.—The Biology of Politics.—Stages of Growth and Decay of States.—Doctrine of Nationality.—Doctrine of Independence.—Law of Morality.—Ignorance of Electors and Selfishness of Statesmen opposed to Action of Law.—Final ‘Reign of Law’101VIII.The Principle of Polemical Cohesion:Centralization.—Co-operation of States.—Marriage.—Trade Unions.—International Law115Extracts from the Diary of the Lady Professor125Conclusion129

[1]PAPER I.

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SOME REMARKS OF A GIRTHAM GIRL ON FEMALE EDUCATION.

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[This essay upon Female Education was evidently written when the future Professor of Girtham College was still in the lowlier condition of studentship, before she attained that eminence for which her talents so justly entitled her. Its unfinished condition tends to show that it was probably evolved during moments of relaxation from severer studies, without any idea of subsequent publication.]

Oh, why should I be doomed to the degradation of bearing such a foolish appellation! A Girtham Girl! I suppose we have to thank that fiend of invention who is responsible for most of the titular foibles and follies of mankind—artful Alliteration. The two G’s, people imagine, run so well together; and it is wonderful that they do not append some other delectable title, such as ‘The Gushing Girl of Girtham,’ or ‘The Glaring Girl of Glittering [2] Girtham.’ O Alliteration! Alliteration! what crimes have been wrought in thy name! Little dost thou think of the mischief thou hast done, flooding the world with meaningless titles and absurd phrases. How canst thou talk of ‘Lyrics of Loneliness,’ ‘Soliloquies of Song,’ ‘Pearls of the Peerage’? Why dost thou stay thine hand? We long for thee to enrich the world with ‘Dreams of a Dotard,’ the ‘Dog Doctor’s Daughters,’ and other kindred works. Exercise thine art on these works of transcendent merit, but cease to style thy humble, but rebellious, servant a Girtham Girl!