Rascals and heroes: A fresh look at colonial mathematics

Time: 6:00-8:00pm

Location: St Augustine Ctr, Room 300 Villanova University

Paul Pasles has shown that Benjamin Franklin should be regarded as a modern mathematician. A recent examination of the Colonial Era revealed a host of other figures who worked on surprisingly rich mathematics. Four came from the only two American colleges established in the 17th century. At William & Mary the first mathematics professor misbehaved so badly he was dismissed within a year; his successor behaved more properly. At Harvard the first Hollis Professor of Mathematics had a drinking problem; his successor was sober. But some mathematics came from emerging organizations, like the American Philosophical Society. Other topics were mastered by individuals with little formal education. Overall we present several examples from the Colonial Era of material that might be appropriate for classes ranging from beginning algebra to Calculus II.