Overview

During the medieval period Islamic mathematicians enjoyed a dynamic and vibrant profession that, contrary to many popular teachings, made significant contributions to their field that continue to affect the way mathematics is practiced today. They did not simply preserve the glories of Greek mathematics and transfer some concepts from Hindu mathematicians to Europe. Rather, they developed sophisticated systems of algebra, introduced many now-standard mathematical notations, and helped mathematics move away from the largely geometrical formulations of the Greeks to a more symbolic and abstract structure that is much closer to the manner in which mathematics is practiced today.

Background

The first great flowerings of mathematics occurred in Babylonia, Egypt, and Greece. With the passing of time, these cultures either vanished or became assimilated into the Roman Empire. In particular, the Greek tradition in mathematics helped establish the...