Other Books Famous Scientists Studied From

AI Thread Summary
The discussion highlights influential mathematics and physics texts that shaped prominent figures like Freeman Dyson and Richard Feynman. Key works mentioned include SL Loney's Trigonometry, GS Carr's Synopsis of Elementary Results, and J E Thompson's Calculus for the Practical Man, which Feynman originally learned from. The impact of ET Bell's Men of Mathematics on Dyson and Nash is noted, as well as Lancelot Hogben's Mathematics for the Million and Jan Gullberg's Mathematics from the Birth of Numbers. The conversation emphasizes the lasting influence of these educational resources on future mathematicians and their fascination with numbers. Overall, the thread serves as a tribute to the foundational texts in mathematics and physics that inspire generations.
Humanlimits
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Hey, I haven't seen a thread on this topic, so I figured I should start it. Hopefully others can contribute!

Srinivasa Ramanujan - SL Loney, Trigonometry & GS Carr, A Synopsis of Elementary Results in Pure and Applied Mathematics
SS Chern - Hall & Knight, Higher Algebra
Bernard Riemann - Legendre's Number Theory Treatise

Freeman Dyson - Georg Joos, Theoretical Physics
Richard Feynman - S Thompson, Calculus Made Easy & Woods, Advanced Calculus
 
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Lars Onsager - Whittaker and Watson, A Course of Modern Analysis
 
Humanlimits said:
Richard Feynman - S Thompson, Calculus Made Easy & Woods, Advanced Calculus

In my original post, I made a mistake. I believe Feynman first learned calculus from J E Thompson, Calculus For The Practical Man, not S Thompson, Calculus Made Easy. He then moved onto Woods, Advanced Calculus.
 
Many folks were influenced by Lancelot Hogben's Mathematics for the Million: How to Master the Magic of Numbers (1936) book.

and some future mathematicians by Jan Gullberg's book: Mathematics from the Birth of Numbers

and when I was a kid the Instant Math book by the Cutler's on Trachtenberg Math system really got me fascinated with numbers. It was just magic.
 

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