Mathematical Treasure: Arithmetic and Geometry of Metius

Adriaan Adriaanszoon (1571-1635), more commonly known as Adrian Metius, was a Dutch geometer, astronomer, surveyor, and instrument maker. He is perhaps best known for his published estimate for the mathematical constant \(\pi\approx{\frac{355}{113}},\) which was actually discovered by his father. His Arithmetica et Geometriae (1626) reflects his applied approach to mathematics. The personages depicted on the title page also reflect his mathematical experiences: war and warfare occupy the highest position; an astronomer/philosopher stands on the left; while a tentative surveyor enters the scene at the right.

An illustration on page 11 shows that an infinite number of right angles can be inscribed within a semicircle.

On page 35 begins a section on practical geometry. It appears this was published as a separate tract in 1625 and added to the new work.

The images above are presented courtesy of the University of Pennsylvania Libraries.

Index to Mathematical Treasures