The History of Mathematical Technologies:
Exploring the
Material Culture of Mathematics
The History of Mathematical Technologies: Exploring
the Material Culture of Mathematics, Monday and Tuesday,
January 5 and 6, organized by Amy Shell-Gellasch, SIAM-Germany,
and Glen Van Brummelen, Bennington College.
This short course will explore the history, development,
use, and significance of various mathematical devices throughout
history. Devices investigated will include sun dials, linkages,
navigational and surveying devices, early computing devices,
and early computers. Presenters will bring in actual historical
devices when possible. The sessions will be a mix of traditional
presentations, followed by a hands-on demonstration and question
period. Topics will cover calculations and Mensuration devices
from various eras, from ancient to modern times. Our finale
will be a presentation on mathematical devices at world's fairs.
Presenters include Lennart Berggren, Simon Fraser University;
James Evans, University of Puget Sound,
Instruments of the ancient astronomers: Mathematics and history;
Ed Sandifer, Western Connecticut State University, Fourier
without the formula: How harmonic analyzers work; Daina
Tainima, Cornell University, What linkages have to do
with mathematics; David Weil, Computer Museum of
America, Early computing devices; and Peggy Aldrich
Kidwell, National Museum of American History, Mathematical
instruments at the fairs.
Please note that there is a separate registration
fee for this Short Course. To register in advance, please use
the Advance
Registration/Housing Form. Advance registration fees
are $125/member; $175/nonmember; and $50/student, unemployed,
emeritus. On-site registration fees are $140/member; $190/nonmember;
and $60/student, unemployed, emeritus.