Mathematics is a product of human culture which has developed along with our
attempts to comprehend the world around us. In A Brief History of Mathematical
Thought, Luke Heaton explores how the language of mathematics has evolved over
time, enabling new technologies and shaping the way people think. From stone-age
rituals to algebra, calculus, and the concept of computation, Heaton shows the
enormous influence of mathematics on science, philosophy and the broader human
story. The book traces the fascinating history of mathematical practice,
focusing on the impact of key conceptual innovations. Its structure of thirteen
chapters split between four sections is dictated by a combination of historical
and