Euclid, Greek mathematician, c 275 BC.
(Medieval?) engraving of Euclid (330-275 BC) who lived in Alexandria, Egypt. Little is known about him, although his contribution to mathematics has been a major influence for over 2,000 years. He wrote 'Elements of Geometry' which incorporated previous works in mathematics as well as Euclid's own findings. The writings deal with plane geometry; solid geometry, including the five Platonic solids; and the theory of numbers, including a proof that there are an infinite number of primes. It was not until the 19th century that mathematicians realised other kinds of geometry exist. His achievements are impresive, given that there was little algebra or arithmetic at the time, and limited understanding of infinity. Euclid is shown drawing geometrical shapes.
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'Blue & Buff Charity' or 'The Patriarch of the Greek Clergy applying for Relief', 1793.
Coloured etching by James Gillray. This political caricature satirises the subscription raised by Charles James Fox after his coalition defeat over the India Bill, regarding the governing of India by the East India Company. The crowd are all depicted holding daggers and begging for alms in the Crown and Anchor Inn on 5 June 1793. The people illustrated include Charles Mahon 3rd Lord Stanhope, Joseph Priestley and Hall the apothecary. Hall was secretary to the Whig Club and the Charity Committee and his pocket holds a syringe and a medicine bottle labelled W Pitt. Dimensions: 422 mm x 349 mm.
Trade card with engraving of Archimedes, Greek mathematician, 18th century.
Trade card for philosphical, mathematical and optical instrument makers W and S Jones of London, featuring an illustration of Archimedes studying at a desk. Archimedes (c 287-212 BC) is one of the most celebrated figures of the ancient world. His major importance in mathematics was his discovery of formulae for the areas and volumes of spheres, cylinders, parabolas and other plane and solid figures. His methods anticipated the theories of integration to be developed 1800 years later. He also founded the science of hydrostatics, the study of the presure and equilibrium of fluids, and is famous in popular tradition for shouting 'Eureka' when he realised that the level of water in his bath rose when he got into it. The Archimedean screw is still used for raising water.