Linear algebra from a historical perspective?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the historical development of linear algebra and the lack of comprehensive resources on the topic. Participants recommend Crowe's "A History of Vector Analysis" and Sir Thomas Muir's "The Theory of Determinants" as valuable texts. The conversation highlights the need for more accessible literature that presents linear algebra's evolution in a structured manner. Additionally, a link to a relevant article on ScienceDirect is shared for further exploration.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic linear algebra concepts
  • Familiarity with historical mathematical literature
  • Knowledge of vector analysis
  • Ability to access academic resources like ScienceDirect
NEXT STEPS
  • Research Crowe's "A History of Vector Analysis" for a non-technical overview
  • Explore Sir Thomas Muir's "The Theory of Determinants" for historical insights
  • Investigate additional academic articles on linear algebra's historical context
  • Look for introductory linear algebra textbooks that follow a historical approach
USEFUL FOR

Mathematicians, educators, and students interested in the historical context of linear algebra, as well as anyone seeking to understand the evolution of mathematical concepts.

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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