Calculating curves. The mathematics, history, and aesthetic appeal of T. H. Gronwall's nomographic work. Including a paper by Gronwall translated from the French by Paul Hamburg. With an extensive commentary and a complete bibliography of Gronwall's work compiled by Scott Guthery (Q2885326)

This book revolves around Thomas Gronwall's 1912 paper on the theory of nomography. Alan Gluchoff sets the stage with a historical survey of both nomography and Gronwall's mathematical career, which spanned a variety of pure and applied areas. Gronwall's paper follows, in a mostly serviceable translation from the French, although some mathematical idioms got the better of the non-mathematician translator. Ron Doerfler's commentary occupies half of the volume. He fleshes out Gronwall's article, providing background, examples, and many figures. (Gronwall did not display a single nomogram in his paper.) Finally, Scott Guthery supplies a 177-item bibliography of Gronwall's works.