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Mathematical Treasure: Monge on Differential Geometry

Author(s): 
Frank J. Swetz (The Pennsylvania State University)

Gaspard Monge (1746–1818) is considered the father of differential geometry. His classical work on the subject, Application de l’Analyse a la Géométrie, was published in 1807 and was based on his lectures at the Ecole Polytechnique in Paris. It eventually went through five editions. The title page of the 1809 edition is shown above.

On page 109 of his text, Monge discussed surfaces of first and second degree.

The Special Collections staff at the Linderman Library of Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, is pleased to cooperate with the Mathematical Association of America to exhibit this and other items from the Library’s holdings in Mathematical Treasures. In particular, Convergence would like to thank Lois Fischer Black, Curator, Special Collections, and Ilhan Citak, Archives and Special Collections Librarian, for their kind assistance in helping to make this display possible. You may use these images in your classroom; all other uses require permission from the Special Collections staff, Linderman Library, Lehigh University.

Index to Mathematical Treasures

Frank J. Swetz (The Pennsylvania State University), "Mathematical Treasure: Monge on Differential Geometry," Convergence (June 2014)