Newton's attempt to construct a unitary view of mathematics (Q990272)

The paper discusses Newton's attempts to a unitary view of mathematics, i.e. his attempts to integrate the new methods of infinitesimal calculus --- his method of fluxions --- into the framework of finite Cartesian algebra and classical geometry. This topic is discussed by several examples from Newton's papers and the ``Principia''. Newton's approach is compared to Descartes' methods, and the examples are discussed very clearly to show how Newton tries to approach and/or demonstrate his results obtained by the method of fluxions by more classical methods. Also, the reasons of Newton's unsuccessful attempt to compose a treatise that would describe all his results obtained by the ``new'' methods integrated into the classical mathematics of ancient Greece.