Incorrect casual assumptions in the history of science

Hypatia was not a fine astronomer or a first rank mathematician, despite popular belief. Her father, Theon of Alexandria, was not a formidable mathematician either. Theon was a teacher of astronomy and mathematics, known primarily for editing and commenting on Euclid’s Elements. Hypatia studied under her father and took over his position as head of his school. While there are no known surviving publications by Hypatia, she is credited with editing the surviving text of Ptolemaeus’ Handy Tables and a large part of the text of the Almagest. Both Hypatia and Theon were textbook editors and teachers, not exceptional mathematicians. Their contributions as textbook authors and editors should not be overlooked in the history of science.

https://thonyc.wordpress.com/2023/09/21/incorrect-casual-assumptions/

To top