Is Euclid's elements something worth reading for someone interested in the history of mathematics and science, or is it just a waste of time?
>>8052278
Depends why you want to read it.
It is one of the most widely read texts in human history for a reason. Any serious student of mathematics should read it at least once. Enjoy.
>>8052511
>It is one of the most widely read texts in human history
So is Twilight.
>>8052527
I've read both and must give the edge to Elements as being the more useful of the two.
>>8052278
Yes, the Elements are worth reading, not only for the history, but also for the mathematical content itself.
Arguments are presented over a page or three, usually with some formulas and/or diagrams, resulting in legitimately established theorems. Terminology can be confusing at first, but the determined reader who is willing to look things up and think for himself, can work through the arguments and come to agree with them, by understanding them. These theorems, in turn, are then usefully applied to other areas, frequently establishing more theorems. The body of established knowledge is (metaphorically) greater than the sum of its parts, being above mere "stamp collecting", there is an organized, un-confused project (or textbook) which gives rise to a definite body of knowledge, based on quantity, shape, reason, and logic.
Take a good look at this picture, and then re-read the above paragraph. Then, ask yourself whether there are any fundamental differences between what Euclid was doing, and what we do today. The answer is no. Euclid is not a meme, he got it all right.
And I say this as a person who has an interest in the history of math and have been through some comparitively dull historical documents.
>>8052527
Twilight was popular for maybe five years, ten tops. Euclid's Elements on the other hand was the state of the art geometry text book for thousands of years, even until the 19th century.
Euclid was the founder of the axiomatic method and was more rigorous than most mathematicians until Hilbert.
So in conclusion,
Elements > Twilight
Bump4u
>>8052278
It's worth a read only to get the feel of it, you know, how mathematics was before schoolkids were pampered by "find x (if you cannot, x=1!!!!<3)"
