Archimedes is one of the greatest mathematicians to have lived. He worked in geometry, physics, and ballistics. His work has spanned the ages. What's more, he did his work without the tools we have today. With tools I don't mean calculators, or computers. I mean without the descriptive mathematical language of equations and the number systems of today. Archimedes held his ideas in total within his mind and was able to solve problems that would take calculus today. And he didn't have calculus either.

This book describes many of the problems Archimedes solved and how he approached the problems. We find center of gravity and buoyancy, for example. Each chapter is a thorough discussion of the problems, Archimedes's solution, and, at times, the importance of the problem. The book is slim and handy to take with you for reading whenever you find a few minutes. In that sense, the chapters are short enough to read quickly (although you'll want to spend time going through the equations) so that you get a good view of the approach taken.

Finally, the author takes you on a few tangents to explain how Archimedes viewed mathematics and here, too, you see the greatness of Archimedes. He was meticulous and precise in his work. He didn't publish his methods until he was certain of them and he corresponded with other mathematicians to work out problems and discuss various topics. What a good insight into the past and, for us, a good place to draw lessons for our own work.

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