The Cult of Pythagoras: Math and Myths

Martínez (history, Univ. of Texas, Austin; Science Secrets: The Truth About Darwin’s Finches, Einstein’s Wife, and Other Myths) explores the legends and myths of mathematics. Beginning with the many apocryphal stories linked to ancient Greek philosopher and mathematician Pythagoras over the centuries, Martínez documents how historical errors begin and propagate. He demonstrates how advances in geometry, algebra, and calculus were made by those willing to question the rules that govern mathematical operations. As conventions change, or new systems of mathematics are developed, answers to questions such as “Can you divide by zero?” or “What is the square root of -1?” change as well. Beyond authenticating or disproving myths, Martínez takes readers into the philosophical questions behind them, such as whether mathematicians are in the process of discovering something preexistent, inventing something new, or some combination of the two.