You are here

Mathematical Treasure: Todhunter’s Differential Calculus

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

Isaac Todhunter (1820-1884) was a British mathematician, teacher and textbook writer. He was also noted for his writings on the history of mathematics. His Treatise on the Differential Calculus went through several editions. The fifth edition, shown here, was published in 1871.

 
In the “Preface,” the author discussed his teaching objectives.
 
 
The first page of text supplies necessary definitions, several of which had been recently devised.
 
 
Todhunter wrote primarily as a teacher. On pages 11 and 12, he supplied advice to the learner.
 
 
Chapter II supplied a formal definition of differentiation.
 
 

These images were obtained through the courtesy of the University of Toronto Library. The book can be viewed in its entirety via the Internet Archive.

Index to Mathematical Treasures

 

Frank J. Swetz (The Pennsylvania State University), "Mathematical Treasure: Todhunter’s Differential Calculus," Convergence (June 2017)