- #1
gvk
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Does anybody know who first introduced terms ring and field and when?
The Origin & History of Ring & Field: Who Invented Them?
Click For Summary
Discussion Overview
The discussion centers on the historical origins of the mathematical terms "ring" and "field," exploring who first introduced these concepts and the timeline of their introduction. Participants are investigating the etymology and translation of these terms within the context of mathematics.
Discussion Character
- Historical
- Conceptual clarification
Main Points Raised
- One participant inquires about the origin of the terms "ring" and "field."
- Another participant cites a website suggesting that Richard Dedekind introduced both terms in the late 1850s.
- A different participant points out that the website claims Eliakim Hastings Moore introduced the English term "field," noting that Dedekind's term "körper" translates to "body" rather than "field."
- This participant questions whether "field" could be another translation of "körper" and comments on the dual usage of "ring" in both English and German contexts.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
The discussion reflects uncertainty regarding the precise origins and translations of the terms "ring" and "field," with multiple viewpoints presented and no consensus reached.
Contextual Notes
There are limitations in the discussion regarding the accuracy of translations and the historical context, as well as the reliance on a specific website for information.
- #2
HallsofIvy
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I put "mathemtics" "terms" "history" into Google and came up with this interesting site:
http://members.aol.com/jeff570/mathword.html
According to it, it was Richard Dedekind who introduced both terms in the late 1850s.
http://members.aol.com/jeff570/mathword.html
According to it, it was Richard Dedekind who introduced both terms in the late 1850s.
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- #3
gvk
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Thank you, very handy website 
- #4
mathwonk
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technically, it appears the website mentioned states that eliakim hastings moore introduced the english term "field", as dedekind's term "korper" apparently translates literally as "body" rather than field.
I do not have a german dictionary handy though. Is perhaps "field" another translation of "korper"? interestingly "ring" seems to be both an english and a german word, as used in wagner's famous operas. or is this wrong?
I do not have a german dictionary handy though. Is perhaps "field" another translation of "korper"? interestingly "ring" seems to be both an english and a german word, as used in wagner's famous operas. or is this wrong?
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