Algebra and geometry in Pietro Mengoli (1625--1686)

History of mathematics in the 17th century (01A45) History of algebraic geometry (14-03) Approximation to limiting values (summation of series, etc.) (40A25)

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An important step in 17th-century research on quadratures involved the use of algebraic procedures. Pietro Mengoli (1625--1686), probably the most original student of Bonaventura Cavalieri (1598--1647), was one of several scholars who developed such procedures. Algebra and geometry are closely related in his works, particularly in \textit{Geometriae Speciosae Elementa} (Bologna, 1659). Mengoli considered curves determined by equations that are now represented by \(y=K\cdot x^m\cdot(t-x)^n\). These quadratures were already known from the method of indivisibles, but he wanted to derive them using an algebraic approach. Like Viète he considered algebra as a technique in which symbols are used to represent abstract magnitudes. He dealt with species, triangular tables, quasi ratios and logarithmic ratios. The most innovative aspect of his work was his use of letters to work directly with the algebraic expressions of the geometric figure. Even if his algebra resembles Viète's, he also introduced original and complicated notations. It seems unlikely that Mengoli was familiar with Descartes' \textit{Géométrie}. Their works in fact are different in terms of aims and methods. Mengoli introduced algebra into geometry to solve problems of quadratures, Descartes wanted to solve and classify geometrical problems. The paper of Massa Esteve analyzes accurately \textit{Geometriae Speciose Elementa} and concludes that Mengoli's work reveals that the basis of his new method of quadratures was not Cavalieri's method of indivisibles but the triangular tables and the theory of quasi proportions, set out as a development of Viète algebra.

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