The mysteries of adaequare: A vindication of Fermat (Q1316104)

The present study represents the daring -- and successful! -- attempt of its author, Herbert Breger -- of demonstrating that Fermat -- in settling of his famous method of extreme values and method of tangents, as well -- was by no means confuse nor was he contradicting himself, as several authors (mathematicians) tried to evidence along the years. The demonstration is both philological and mathematical. First, the term of ``adaequare'' is defined as either ``approximately equal'' or ``counterfactually equal''. On the other hand, the terms of ``pseudo- equality'' and ``counter-factual equality'' refer to the absence of any equality. One of the arguments supporting the author's opinion is represented by two papers written by Fermat during his debate with Descartes, and devoted to the method of tangent. Another paper quoted as of prime importance is the one entitled ``Je veux par ma methode'', challenging the established dogma. Also, the tract on quadrature is discussed as a powerful argument supporting Fermat's ideas. In closing of his demonstration, the author suggests giving up of the traditional dogma of interpreting Fermat's ideas, and considers that here, and not in the great mathematician's mind, lies confusion. The general conclusion is that the method of extreme values is based on an equality and not on an approximate equality.