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Updated: May 31, 2026
10:58
Multimedia Battery for Assessment of Cognitive and Basic Skills in Mathematics (BM-PROMA)
Published on: August 28, 2021
Kaspar Schott's "encyclopedia of all mathematical sciences"
1Technische Universität Berlin, Berlin-Brandenburgische Akademie der Wissenschaften, Berlin, Germany.
Summary
Kaspar Schott
Area of Science:
- History of Mathematics
- History of Science
Background:
- Kaspar Schott's "Cursus mathematicus" (1661) was a comprehensive encyclopedia of mathematical sciences.
- The textbook achieved significant success, warranting multiple reprints.
Purpose of the Study:
- To survey Kaspar Schott's "Cursus mathematicus".
- To highlight key aspects of the work, including its structure, content, and scholarly context.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of Kaspar Schott's "Cursus mathematicus" (1661, 1674, 1677 editions).
- Examination of the textbook's 28 books, 533 figures, and numerous tables.
- Review of cited authors and specific sections on geometry, astronomy, and algebra.
Main Results:
- Schott's work aimed to provide an accessible introduction to 22 mathematical disciplines for beginners.
- The textbook referenced over a hundred authors, spanning religious divides.
- Notable sections include the dedication to Emperor Leopold I, a letter of recommendation from Athanasius Kircher, and Schott's classification of sciences.
Conclusions:
- "Cursus mathematicus" served as a significant and widely adopted educational resource in the 17th century.
- Schott's pedagogical approach emphasized clarity and comprehensiveness, contrasting with earlier works.
- The textbook reflects the intellectual landscape and scientific interests of its time.
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