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Infinitesimal
368 pages, 2015
In 1632, five men convened in a somber Roman palazzo to pass judgment on a deceptively simple proposition: that a continuous line is composed of distinct and infinitely tiny parts. The Jesuit fathers deemed the doctrine of infinitesimals dangerous and subversive, a threat to the belief that the world was an orderly place, governed by a strict and unchanging set of rules.
The concept was also at odds with new doctrines on mathematics emerging in Europe at the time. The Jesuits feared that if infinitesimals were ever accepted, the entire world would be plunged into chaos. Nevertheless, the doctrine persisted; it became the foundation of calculus and much of modern mathematics and technology.
In Infinitesimal, Amir Alexander explores the concept of infinitesimals, tiny quantities that are almost zero but not quite. He shows how this seemingly simple idea has had a profound impact on the development of mathematics and science.
The book delves into the fierce ideological battles that were fought over the concept of infinitesimals. Alexander shows how these debates were not just about mathematics, but also about power, religion, and the nature of reality.
Infinitesimal shows how the concept of infinitesimals has influenced many areas of science and technology, from physics to engineering. It's a fascinating look into how a small idea can have big consequences.
Alexander does a great job of placing the story of infinitesimals in its historical context. He takes us on a journey from ancient Greece to the scientific revolution, showing how the idea of infinitesimals evolved over time.
Infinitesimal is not just a book about mathematics, it's also a human drama. Alexander tells the stories of the people who fought for and against the concept of infinitesimals, making the book a compelling read even for those who are not mathematically inclined.
