Account of the Life and Writings of Robert Simson, M. D., Late Professor of Mathematics in the University of Glasgow (Classic Reprint)

Excerpt from Account of the Life and Writings of Robert Simson, M. D., Late Professor of Mathematics in the University of Glasgow

Some hifiory and explanation of the ancient geometrical Analyfis, almoft necefl'arily, forms a part of an account of the literary life of Dr. Simson, by whom that Analyfis has been completely refiored and illuftrated. The Mathematical Collec tions of pappus, in which is contained nearly every thing that is known from the Ancients of that celebrated infirument of inveftigation, which they employed fo fuccefsfully in their geometrical inquiries, from the Doctor's early partiality for that branch of fcience, naturally became an object of his particular fiudy. Some account therefore of that work, and of Dr. Simson's commentaries on it, is requifite for giving a juft view of his geometrical labours, and for eftimating their importance to, what is to much wanted, a corrected edition of that valuable Author. Even with the rilk of feveral repetitions, it has appeared convenient to detach from the Memoir the particular account of pappus, and fome explanations of the ancient Analyfis connected with it, and to annex them as an Appendix. T hefe details, though'unintereftin g to many readers, may be acceptable to others; and my object in preparing them will be attained, if they can fave fome trouble to thofe who at any future time may undertake a new edition of the Alame matical Collections. Two {hort pafl'ages of pappus, concerning the ancient claflification of geometrical lines, are added in a fecond appendix, in the original language, with comman dine's verfion of them.

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