In 1844, the Prussian schoolmaster Hermann Grassmann (1809-77) published Die Lineale Ausdehnungslehre (also reissued in the Cambridge Library Collection). This revolutionary work anticipated the modern theory of vector spaces and exterior algebras. It was little understood at the time and the few sympathetic mathematicians, rather than trying harder to comprehend it, urged Grassmann to write an extended version of his theories. The present work is that version, first published in 1862. However, this also proved too far ahead of its time and Grassmann turned to historical linguistics, in which field his contributions are still remembered. His mathematical work eventually found champions such as Hankel, Peano, Whitehead and Elie Cartan, and it is now recognised for the brilliant achievement that it was in the history of mathematics.
- ISBN13 9781107325081
- Publish Date 5 October 2014 (first published 16 October 2013)
- Publish Status Active
- Publish Country GB
- Imprint Cambridge University Press
- Format eBook
- Language English