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Many general histories of mathematics mention prehistoric “geometric” decorations along with counting and tally-sticks as the earliest beginnings of mathematics, insinuating thus (without making it too explicit) that a direct line of development links such decorations to mathematical geometry. The article confronts this persuasion with a particular historical case: the changing character of geometrical decorations in the later Greek area from the Middle Neolithic through the first millennium bce.The...
Dans la deuxième moitié du xixe siècle, une ambition commune anime le groupe de mathématiciens dont les travaux sont présentés ici : contribuer à la diffusion de l’esprit scientifique auprès d’un large public. Le lieu d’expression de ce groupe est l’Association française pour l’avancement des sciences, créée en 1872, après la défaite de la France au cours du conflit franco-prussien. Rendre la science populaire, tel est le but poursuivi. Afin de répondre à cet objectif, les questions mathématiques...
The first time I met George Styan was in July 2004 in Lisbon when he was on his way to the 11th ILAS Conference in Coimbra. But George had already been in Portugal before and I learned how much he was fond of Conventual, a very fine and nice old style restaurant in Lisbon. Then I also learned that George really is an appreciator of good food and a very well-educated wine drinker. With this detail in common it was really easy to become a good friend with George. Since...