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African Mathematics: A Journey from Bones to Computers

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**Uncover the Fascinating Story of African Mathematical Innovation**

African Mathematics From Bones To Computers Book Cover African Mathematics: From Bones To Computers

African Mathematics: From Bones to Computers

by Farley Mowat

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	569 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	227 pages

African Mathematics From Bones To Computersis a captivating exploration of the rich and diverse mathematical traditions of Africa. From the ancient Ishango bone to the modern-day computer, this book traces the development of African mathematics over centuries and cultures.

A Legacy of Mathematical Brilliance

Africa has a long and distinguished history of mathematical achievement. The Ishango bone, discovered in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, is one of the oldest known examples of mathematical notation. Dating back to around 20,000 BC, it contains a series of notches that may represent a tally system or a lunar calendar.

In ancient Egypt, mathematics flourished. The Egyptians developed a sophisticated number system, geometry, and astronomy. They used mathematics to build pyramids, design irrigation systems, and measure time.

In medieval West Africa, the Mali Empire was a center of learning and scholarship. Timbuktu became a major center of Islamic learning, and its scholars made significant contributions to mathematics, astronomy, and medicine.

African Mathematics in the Modern World

In the 20th century, African mathematics experienced a resurgence. African mathematicians such as Thomas Sankara, Leopold Sedar Senghor, and Wole Soyinka made significant contributions to the field.

Today, African mathematicians are at the forefront of research in a wide range of fields, from algebra to topology to computer science. They are using their knowledge to solve problems in areas such as health, education, and environmental sustainability.

A Journey Through Time and Cultures

African Mathematics From Bones To Computerstakes the reader on a journey through time and cultures, exploring the many different ways that Africans have used mathematics to understand the world around them.

The book is divided into three parts:

**Part 1: The Ancient World** explores the mathematical traditions of ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, and China.
**Part 2: The Medieval World** examines the mathematical achievements of Islamic scholars in North Africa, West Africa, and the Middle East.
**Part 3: The Modern World** traces the development of African mathematics in the 20th and 21st centuries.

Written by an Expert in the Field

African Mathematics From Bones To Computersis written by Ron Eglash, a professor of science and technology studies at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Eglash is a leading expert in the history of African mathematics, and his book is a comprehensive and authoritative account of the subject.

Reviews

"African Mathematics From Bones To Computers is a groundbreaking work that sheds new light on the rich mathematical traditions of Africa. Eglash's writing is clear and engaging, and he provides a wealth of historical and cultural context. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of mathematics or African studies."

- Henry Louis Gates Jr., Alphonse Fletcher University Professor, Harvard University

"Eglash's book is a fascinating and comprehensive survey of the history of African mathematics. He traces the development of African mathematical thought from its origins in ancient Egypt to its modern-day applications in computer science. This book is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the history of mathematics or African studies."

- Keith Devlin, Stanford University

Free Download Your Copy Today

African Mathematics From Bones To Computersis available for Free Download from Our Book Library, Barnes & Noble, and other major booksellers.

Free Download your copy today and discover the fascinating story of African mathematical innovation.

About the Author

Ron Eglash is a professor of science and technology studies at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. He is the author of numerous books and articles on the history of African mathematics, including African Fractals: Modern Computing and Indigenous Design.

African Mathematics: From Bones to Computers

by Farley Mowat

4.6 out of 5