The controversial matters surrounding the notion of anachronism are difficult ones: they have been broached by literary and art critics, by philosophers, as well as by historians of science. This book adopts a bottom-up approach to the many problems concerning anachronism in the history of mathematics. Some of the leading scholars in the field of history of mathematics reflect on the applicability of present-day mathematical language, concepts, standards, disciplinary boundaries, indeed notions of mathematics itself, to well-chosen historical case studies belonging to the mathematics of the past, in European and non-European cultures. A detailed introduction describes the key themes and binds the various chapters together. The interdisciplinary and transcultural approach adopted allows this volume to cover topics important for history of mathematics, history of the physical sciences, history of science, philosophy of mathematics, history of philosophy, methodology of history, non-European science, and the transmission of mathematical knowledge across cultures.

‘… scholarly work … Highly recommended.’

V. V. Raman Source: Choice Magazine

‘excellent examples of the diversity of types of anachronisms that can be found in the history of mathematics … The wide variety of case studies that form the chapters is remarkable.’

Nicolas Michel Source: Revue d'Histoire des Sciences

‘‘Anachronisms in the History of Mathematics provides a rich series of contributions which will be of interest both to the specialist and to any scholar interested in the analysis of past mathematical sources. … Apart from contributing to their specific historiographies, the essays of this book provide an important contribution to the methodology of the history of mathematics. As a consequence, the book has an appeal for any historian of mathematics, regardless of their period of specialisation.’

Raffaele Danna Source: Nuncius

‘Mathematicians without historical training may find this a challenging read that is well worth the effort! Historians (and certainly historians of mathematics) will find this an interesting and thought-provoking book.’

Katelynn Kochalski Source: Notices of the American Mathematical Society

‘These essays were a pleasure to read. Unusually for a collective volume, they go together well, despite what is clearly a gentle editorial hand. This is perhaps because all of the authors have felt deeply the problems associated with attempting to avoid anachronism while nevertheless getting some understanding of the work. Everyone active in the history of mathematics, whether as a novice, an amateur, or a professional, should read this book.’

Tom Archibald Source: Annals of Science

‘Through its focus on anachronisms, this collection of essays illuminates the intricate relationship between the historiography and the history of mathematics … The book provides a great introduction to anachronisms in the history of mathematics and is a worthwhile addition to any library of someone interested in mathematics and its historiography.’

Source: The Mathematical Intelligencer