The History of mathematical tables: from Sumer to spreadsheets

Abstract

Introduction Table and tabular formatting in Sumer, Babylonia and Assyria, 2500 BCE - 50 CE The making of logarithm tables The computation factory: de Prony's project for making tables in the 1790's Difference engines: from Muller to Comrie The 'unerring certainty of mechanical agency': machines and table making in the nineteenth century Table making in astronomy The General Registry Office and the tabulation of data, 1837 - 1939 Table making by committee British table maker 1871 - 1965 Table making for the relief of labour The making of astronomical tables in H.M. Nautical Almanac Office The rise and rise of the spreadsheet Biographical Notes