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Simpson's methods for finding maxima and minima are explored by using examples from his "Doctrine and Application of Fluxions." Many of his techniques could be used in today's classroom.

Galileo's Geometrical Compass

This is the title page of the 1640 printing of Galileo's Operation of the Geometrical and Military Compass, originally published privately in 1606. Galileo had invented a version of this geometrical compass a few years earlier and evidently gave copies of this manual to those who bought the compass. The compass had many uses, from performing square root calculations to determining ranges of cannons to solving surveying problems.

Pacioli's Summa

This is the title page of the Summa de arithmetica, geometrica, proportioni et proportionalita, published by Luca Pacioli in 1494. This was the most comprehensive mathematical text of the time and one of the earliest printed mathematical works. It contained not only practical arithmetic, but also algebra, practical geometry and the first published treatment of double-entry bookkeeping.

A History of Analysis

A superb collection of articles by experts on various areas of the history of analysis, from the Greeks to modern times.

Perimeters of Similar Triangles III

The perimeters of two similar triangles are 45 and 135 respectively. One side of the first triangle has length 11″ and a second side, 19″. Find the lengths of the sides of the second triangle.

Math through the Ages

Where does pi come from? Why should we be interested in negative numbers, or square roots of negative numbers? How did people ever figure out the quadratic formula? A truly wonderful reference for teachers at all levels.

Asking a Woman Her Age

A lady being asked how old she was at the time of her marriage replied that the age of her oldest son was 13; that he was born 2 years after her marriage...

Dear Professor Greitzer

A letter to Sam Greitzer, late editor of Arbelos, discussing the derivation of two formulas for calculating pi.

Classics of Mathematics

A sourcebook of original materials in the history of mathematics from ancient times to the early twentieth century.

How to Submit an Article to Loci

A brief outline of policies for submission of articles to Loci.