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Description
The Cult of Pythagoras: Math and MythsIn this follow up to his popular Science Secrets, Alberto A. Mart nez discusses various popular myths from the history of mathematics: that Pythagoras proved the hypotenuse theorem, that Archimedes figured out how to test the purity of a gold crown while he was in a bathtub, that the Golden Ratio is in nature and ancient architecture, that the young Galois created group theory the night before the pistol duel that killed him, and more. Some stories
In this follow-up to his popular Science Secrets, Alberto A. Mart nez discusses various popular myths from the history of mathematics: that Pythagoras proved the hypotenuse theorem, that Archimedes figured out how to test the purity of a gold crown while he was in a bathtub, that the Golden Ratio is in nature and ancient architecture, that the young Galois created group theory the night before the pistol duel that killed him, and more. Some stories are partly true, others are entirely false, but all show the power of invention in history. Pythagoras emerges as a symbol of the urge to conjecture and "fill in the gaps" of history. He has been credited with fundamental discoveries in mathematics and the sciences, yet there is nearly no evidence that he really contributed anything to such fields at all. This book asks: how does history change when we subtract the many small exaggerations and interpolations that writers have added for over two thousand years? The Cult of Pythagoras is also about invention in a positive sense. Most people view mathematical breakthroughs as "discoveries" rather than invention or creativity, believing that mathematics describes a realm of eternal ideas. But mathematicians have disagreed about what is possible and impossible, about what counts as a proof, and even about the results of certain operations. Was there ever invention in the history of concepts such as zero, negative numbers, imaginary numbers, quaternions, infinity, and infinitesimals? Mart nez inspects a wealth of primary sources, in several languages, over a span of many centuries. By exploring disagreements and ambiguities in the history of the elements of mathematics, The Cult of Pythagoras dispels myths that obscure the actual origins of mathematical concepts. Mart nez argues that an accurate history that analyzes myths reveals neglected aspects of mathematics that can encourage creativity in students and mathematicians.Binding Type: Paperback
Publisher: University of Pittsburgh Press
Published: 06/26/2013
ISBN: 9780822962700
Pages: 264
Weight: 1.01lbs
Size: 9.30h x 6.10w x 0.90d
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★★★★★ 4
Best pillow I’ve ever tried—hands down!
Size: Queen, Number of Items: 2
I’ve gone through a bunch of pillows over the years, but this BETU Cooling Pillow is by far the best one I’ve ever used. I sleep in literally every position—on my back, stomach, and sides—and this pillow works perfectly no matter how I’m laying.
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Reviewed in the United States on February 21, 2026
★★★★★ 5
Excellent pillows!
Size: Queen, Number of Items: 2
This pack came with 2 pillows, one firm and one that was flatter and squishy. I absolutely love the flatter one! Most comfortable pillow I've ever used! The firm one was a bit too much for me, but my husband loves it.
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Reviewed in the United States on March 28, 2026
★★★★★ 3
It’s alright.
Size: Queen, Number of Items: 2
Not bad pillows. They are comfortable but mine came with an odd odor, kind of mildewy smell to it. Had to spray it down to tolerate sleeping on it.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 5, 2026
★★★★★ 5
Nice pillows
Size: Queen, Number of Items: 2
Have had these a few months and so far really like them!
They don’t really feel very cooling, but I also run VERY HOT so it could just be me. The foam holds up well and hasn’t flattened like others I’ve tried.
They come very compacted- I was shocked how much they expanded!
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Reviewed in the United States on March 22, 2026
★★★★★ 5
Mr.b
Size: Standard, Number of Items: 2
The pillows are cool and comfortable
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Reviewed in the United States on May 27, 2026