On the influence of signs in mathematical reasoning / by Charles Babbage.

  • Babbage, Charles, 1791-1871.
Date:
1826
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: On the influence of signs in mathematical reasoning / by Charles Babbage. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by The Royal College of Surgeons of England. The original may be consulted at The Royal College of Surgeons of England.

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    XX. On the Influence of Signs in Mathematical Reasoning. By CHARLES BABBAGE, Esq. M. A. Trin. Coll. FELLOW OF THE ROYAL SOCIETIES OF LONDON AND EDINBURGH, MEMBER OF THE ROYAL IRISH ACADEMY, FELLOW OF THE CAMBRIDGE PHILOSOPHICAL SOCIETY, MEMBER OF THE ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY, MEMBER OF THE ROYAL ACADEMY OF DIJON, CORRESPONDING MEMBER OF THE PHILOMATH. SOCIETY, PARIS, AND OF THE ACADEMY OF MARSEILLES, &C. I^Read Dec. l6, 1821.] It can scarcely excite our surprise that the earlier geometers, engaged in successfully employing the most powerful instru- ment of discovery which human thought has yet contrived, and seduced by the splendour of the view their science had opened to them, should press with earnestness to enlarge its boundaries by new applications, rather than exert their genius in explaining the causes which have combined to advance it to such unrivalled eminence. On the discovery of those branches which have so completely altered the face of the science, the use of the new acquisitions was too inviting to allow time for any very scrupu- lous enquiry into the principles on which they were founded: satisfied with the accuracy of the results at which they arrived, the desire of multiplying them naturally prevented any return on their steps for the purpose of applying themselves to the less promising task of establishing on secure foundations, principles of whose truth they felt confident. These efforts to extend the reach rather than fix the basis of the new calculus, were undoubtedly to be admired at the period to which we refer: an acquaintance with its extensive bearings ought justly to have no inconsiderable influence on the form in which its elements should be delivered; hence the lapse of A