During the Early Modern Period (say, 1575 - 1700)

Mathematics changed in many ways. Most of these

changes can, at least in part, be seen as

consequences of tensions within the corpus of

knowledge, experience and expertise which at the time

constituted the domain of mathematicians.

Thus there were tensions between ancient and modern,

between algebra and geometry, between pure and mixed

mathematics, and between mathematics' truths and its

tasks.

These tensions had consequences; mathematicians saw

them as challenges, to save and protect as well as to

transgress and break new ground.

My interest is in the workings of these challenges in

the dynamics of change within early modern

mathematics. In the seminar I intend to discuss

these, on the basis of case histories and primary

sources.