Medieval Arabic algebra as an artificial language (Q935697): Difference between revisions

This is an informative survey of Arabic algebra, emphasizing its artificial language nature, its uses and applications. It raises and answers the question why Arabic algebra remained a method of solving specific problems and did not develop into a theory like geometry. The reason is seen precisely in the existence of Greek geometry, ``an edifice which already satisfied the theoretical needs of mathematicians and scientists,'' and the absence of a ``motive to oust geometry at [that] time in history.''