32. Nicomachus of Gerasa (c.60 – c.120 AD)

Original language: Greek.

Gerasa is now Jerash, Jordan. When Nicomachus was born it was in the Roman province of Syria.

Introduction to Arithmetic

I downloaded a copy of the book from Google Books. It was translated by Martin Luther D’Ooge (sic) and published in 1926 by Macmillan. I did not read every word of the book, I dipped in and out.

The book is mainly about arithmetic and what we today call number theory. He ties the math in with philosophy, making references to Plato and Pythagoras.

I enjoyed the book. Nicomachus uses a lot of unfamiliar and obsolete terminology. But it’s kind of fun. It is a pioneering work of number theory.

Last thoughts on Nicomachus:
I’m glad I read it.