Fibonacci's De Practica Geometrie (Q996094): Difference between revisions

Leonardo of Pisa, called Fibonacci, is widely known for his Liber Abaci from 1202. Now Barnabas Jones has translated and edited \textit{De practica geometrie} which was published in 1220. In this book Fibonacci not only collected the plane geometry of Euclid but went far beyond. He included the use of trigonometry and algebra to solve geometrical problems so that chapters on the computation of square and cube roots can be found. A central theme is the question of measuring area of certain geometric figures two- and three-dimensional and Fibonacci is also discussing methods and instruments of surveyors. Frank Swetz, who has contributed a short foreword, draws therefore correctly the line to the architects and artisans who build the large cathedrals and puts Fibonaccis book in the context of communicating their geometrical knowledge. Hughes has achieved a critical edition in the best sense of the word. He compared several versions of Fibonaccis book and has come to a translation which, in his words, is the closest approximation to what Fibonacci wrote in 1220. Each chapter is accompanied by comments which serve as guidelines through the book. The book can be read with much pleasure. One is often in a state of awe to see how much mathematical rigor could be applied in the first half of the thirteenth century and how much knowledge was available. Hughes has certainly presented a major scholarly work and one could only wish that his translation will be read by many interested mathematicians and historians of science.