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Mathematical Treasure: David Gregory's Practical Geometry

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

Some Latin lecture notes by Scottish mathematician David Gregory (1659-1708) were translated after his death, resulting in the posthumous publication of A Treatise of Practical Geometry in 1745. The title page is shown below.

Title page of A Treatise of Practical Geometry by David Gregory, 1745

The applied nature of this work is reflected in the plates of figures supporting the textual discussion. Note the use of particular measuring instruments in the diagrams below.

First page of diagrams from A Treatise of Practical Geometry by David Gregory, 1745

Second page of diagrams from A Treatise of Practical Geometry by David Gregory, 1745

Third page of diagrams from A Treatise of Practical Geometry by David Gregory, 1745

The images above are provided courtesy of Columbia University Libraries.

Index to Mathematical Treasures

Frank J. Swetz (The Pennsylvania State University), "Mathematical Treasure: David Gregory's Practical Geometry," Convergence (June 2018)