Linear algebra from a historical perspective?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the historical development of linear algebra, with participants seeking resources that provide either a non-technical historical account or an introductory textbook that presents concepts in the order they were developed. The scope includes historical perspectives and educational resources related to linear algebra.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Historical

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about non-technical historical accounts or introductory books on linear algebra, noting the scarcity of such resources.
  • Another participant suggests a link to a document that may be relevant to the historical context of linear algebra.
  • A participant expresses surprise at the lack of extensive treatments on the historical development of linear algebra, suggesting it could be a popular topic.
  • Reference is made to "The theory of determinants in the historical order of development" by Sir Thomas Muir, indicating it may be a useful resource.
  • Another participant shares a link to a recent article that might provide insights into the subject, although they have not read it yet.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants appear to share a common interest in the historical aspects of linear algebra and the need for more comprehensive resources, but there is no consensus on specific texts or the availability of such materials.

Contextual Notes

Some participants note the challenge in finding extensive historical treatments, indicating a potential gap in available literature on the topic.

math5434
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Hi all,

I am looking for either (or both) a non-technical historical account of linear algebra (the closest I've found is Crowe's "A History of Vector Analysis") or an introductory (first course) book that develops the basic ideas in roughly the order they were developed. Do such books exist?
 
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Thanks! Anyone else? It's surprising there is not a more extensive treatment of the historical development of linear algebra. I would think it would be a popular read.
 
The theory of determinants in the historical order of development, by Sir Thomas Muir. 3vols I think (Paperback)
~ Michigan Historical Reprint Series (Author) "THE number of writings to be considered under this heading amounts to about one hundred and eighty (180), and the number of writers to about..."
 
here's another one I've stumbled on
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6WG9-45NJHDR-D&_user=10&_coverDate=12%2F31%2F1995&_rdoc=1&_fmt=high&_orig=search&_sort=d&_docanchor=&view=c&_acct=C000050221&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=10&md5=190a5d1659e04624a4da353b06a4cb11

haven't read it yet, but i would say it's good because it's relatively recent so it would reference a lot of stuff on the subject that has come before it
 

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