History of Mathematical Symbols

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the historical context and rivalries associated with the development of mathematical symbols, particularly in calculus. Participants explore the emotional intensity of debates over notation and the relationships between prominent figures like Newton and Leibniz.

Discussion Character

  • Historical
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant recalls intense arguments over the use of letters such as Δ, δ, d, D, and ∂ in calculus, though they express uncertainty about the accuracy of this memory.
  • Another participant provides a link as a potential starting point for understanding the history of calculus notation.
  • A participant mentions the rivalry between Newton and Leibniz regarding the invention of calculus and their respective notations for derivatives, suggesting that the competition may have been quite heated.
  • There is a clarification that Leibniz, while writing in French, was actually German, which may not have diminished the rivalry's intensity.
  • One participant reflects on the past when physics and mathematics were closely intertwined, noting that physicists were highly regarded and their lectures were popular events.
  • Another participant echoes the sentiment about the past popularity of physicists and questions the current state of the field.
  • A participant references an old journal where Kronecker reviewed an article, implying that certain issues were not prevalent in earlier times.
  • Discussion includes a mention of Newton's use of dot notation for derivatives, referencing a work by Ludovico Geymonat.
  • A humorous exchange about the current status of physicists likening them to rock stars, but with a twist on modern perceptions.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express various viewpoints regarding the historical rivalries and the significance of mathematical notation, with no clear consensus on the intensity of the arguments or their implications.

Contextual Notes

Some statements reflect personal recollections and interpretations of historical events, which may lack definitive sources or consensus among historians.

observer1
Messages
81
Reaction score
11
Hello

I VAGUELY recall reading somewhere (in the history of math), that there were intense and emotional (almost physical) arguments over who would use (claim?) what letter for what purpose in calculus: Δ δ d D ∂

Is this true? Can someone provide a reference? (I could be mistaken.)

(My intent is not to disparage masculinity, but to respond to those who do. My feeling is that such arguments, while ostensibly trivial, reveal a passion. And it is this passion that is not being taught today. And we are sorely missing a middle ground between what is an absurd reaction and what is a passion. However, my memory of this issue could be completely erroneous.)
 
Mathematics news on Phys.org
I don't know how "heated" it was but there was a rivalry between Newton and Leibniz over who had first come up with the Calculus and included the notation for the derivative: whether df/dx (Leibniz) or f' (Newton). Since one was French and the other English, it may have been very heated!
 
HallsofIvy said:
Since one was French and the other English, it may have been very heated!
Leibniz did write in French (among other languagues) but he was still German. Probably this did not make the rivalry any less heated, though.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: fresh_42
Back then, physics and math were inseparable and physicists were the "rock stars" of the day. Lectures were sold out even though people had to pay admission. The competition between mathematicians were followed by the general public like sports events.
 
FactChecker said:
Back then, physics and math were inseparable and physicists were the "rock stars" of the day. Lectures were sold out even though people had to pay admission. The competition between mathematicians were followed by the general public like sports events

One wonders where the world went wrong.
 
I have a copy of an old journal in which Kronecker reviewed someone's article. 'PC' was definitely not an issue in former times.
 
Newton used the dot notation ## \dot{f}## for the derivative of ##f##, see " Storia e filosofia dell'analisi infinitesimale " of Ludovico Geymonat (I don't know if there is an english version, may be ...)
 
UncertaintyAjay said:
One wonders where the world went wrong.
Who says it did? From "The Big Bang Theory":
Raj: Today, Physicists are like Rock Stars.
Howard: Only without the sex.
Raj: Yeah, literally none of it.
 

Similar threads

High School Are Inverse Problems More Complex Than Direct Problems in Mathematics?
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
3K
Undergrad Did von Neumann coin the eth or dyet for the inexact differential?
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Extension resource for advanced high school / pre-university students
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
Graduate Is QM Foundations Facing a Crisis?
  • · Replies 31 ·
2
Replies
31
Views
6K
Undergrad The Experience Of Mathematical Confusion
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
High School Length contraction and Time dilation calculation
  • · Replies 27 ·
Replies
27
Views
3K
Schools Statement of Purpose for grad school
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
Mathematics education in schools
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
15K
Can Theoretical Physics PhDs Thrive in Industry Jobs?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Graduate Mathematical model of a political process
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
4K