History of Greek mathematics: A survey of recent research

Abstract

This survey reviews research in four areas of the history of Greek mathematics: (1) methods in Greek mathematics (the axiomatic method, the method of analysis, and geometric algebra); (2) proportion and the theory of irrationals (controversies over the origins of the theory of incommensurables); (3) Archimedes (aspects of controversies over his life and works); and (4) Greek mathematical methods (including discussion of Ptolemy's work, connections between Greek and Indian mathematics, the significance of Greek mathematical papyri, Arabic texts, and even archaeological investigations of scientific instruments).