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Jackson, Tenn. – November 10, 2000 – Ever wonder where
the dreaded subject of calculus came from? 51ÉçÇø will explore
the answer to that question with its second annual math and computer
science colloquium, Monday, Nov. 20 at 3:30 p.m. in room C-15 of the
Penick Academic Complex.
Matt Lunsford, associate professor of mathematics at Union, will
lecture on "Calculus before Newton: the works of Fermat and
Descartes." The lecture will focus on the 17th century scientific
revolution with the discovery of calculus by Newton and Leibniz.
"These men did not become geniuses on their own," according
to Lunsford. "They had forefathers of math and science before them to
lead the way. The men before Newton and Leibniz are often forgotten, but
their contributions to calculus as we know it are too important to go
unnoticed."
In a famous quote, Newton stated "If I have seen farther than
others, it is because I have stood on the shoulders of giants." This
talk will focus on two of these giants, Pierre de Fermat and Rene
Descartes.
Refreshments will be served and the public is invited to attend. For more
information, contact Lunsford at (901) 661-5222.
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