Mathematics: Tartaglia and Archimedes

Clavius (previous page), Niccolo Tartaglia (Figure 1) , and other mathematicians of the 16th century argued for the use of mathematics in physics. In (Figure 2) , Tartaglia shows Euclid guarding the gate of knowledge. Divisions between mathematical theory and practice were being overcome. (Figure 3) , (Figure 4) .

Niccolo Tartaglia published the works of Archimedes (Figure 5) , including Archimedes’ work on floating bodies. Tartaglia also published the first edition of Euclid in Italian translation. Tartaglia was a teacher of Ostilio Ricci, court mathematician of the Grand Duke of Tuscany, who in turn taught the young Galileo in Florence.

A later edition of Archimedes (Figure 6) contained both Greek and Latin texts (Figure 7) (Figure 8) .

Exhibit credit: Kerry Magruder, with the assistance of , Marilyn B. Ogilvie, Duane H. D. Roller.