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The Reasonable Effectiveness of Computational Mathematics

In: Dreams of Calculus

Author

Listed:
  • Johan Hoffman

    (New York University, Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences)

  • Claes Johnson

    (Chalmers University of Technology, Department of Computational Mathematics)

  • Anders Logg

    (Chalmers University of Technology, Department of Computational Mathematics)

Abstract

When, several years ago, I saw for the first time an instrument which, when carried, automatically records the number of steps taken by a pedestrian, it occurred to me at once that the entire arithmetic could be subjected to a similar kind of machinery so that not only addition and subtraction, but also multiplication and division could be accomplished by a suitably arranged machine easily, promptly and with sure results... For it is unworthy of excellent men to lose hours like slaves in the labor of calculations, which could safely be left to anyone else if the machine was used... And now that we may give final praise to the machine, we may say that it will be desirable to all who are engaged in computations which, as is well known, are the mangers of financial affairs, the administrators of others estates, merchants, surveyors, navigators, astronomers, and those connected with any of the crafts that use mathematics. (Leibniz)

Suggested Citation

  • Johan Hoffman & Claes Johnson & Anders Logg, 2004. "The Reasonable Effectiveness of Computational Mathematics," Springer Books, in: Dreams of Calculus, chapter 11, pages 59-65, Springer.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:sprchp:978-3-642-18586-1_11
    DOI: 10.1007/978-3-642-18586-1_11
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