Skip to content

Comparatively few of the propositions and proofs in the Elements are his [Euclid's] own discoveries. In fact, the proof of the "Theorem of Pythagoras" is the only one directly ascribed to him.

— Florian Cajori A History of Mathematics (1893)

Another quote →

More quotes by Florian Cajori

It is a remarkable fact in the history of geometry, that the Elements of Euclid, written two thousand years ago, are still regarded by many as the best introduction to the mathematical sciences.

A History of Mathematics (1893)

The chemist smiles at the childish efforts of alchemists but the mathematician finds the geometry of the Greeks and the arithmetic of the Hindoos as useful and admirable as any research of today.

The miraculous powers of modern calculation are due to three inventions : the Arabic Notation, Decimal Fractions and Logarithms.

A History of Mathematics (1893)

The history of mathematics is important also as a valuable contribution to the history of civilization. Human progress is closely identified with scientific thought. Mathematical and physical researches are a reliable record of intellectual progress.

A History of Mathematics (1893)

Amber—a mineralized yellowish resin—was used in antiquity for decoration. In common with the bright shining silver-gold alloys, and gold itself, it was called "electron"; hence the word "electricity".

All Florian Cajori quotes →

Attribution

Quote text and notes from Wikiquote: Florian Cajori (page history), available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Source quality and labels are our own summary of what Wikiquote records.