19,576
edits
Changes
Jump to navigation
Jump to search
Line 1:
Line 1: − + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + − He also invented the [[sieve of Eratosthenes]], which is a technique for separating composite from prime numbers in a natural series. In addition, he was an accomplished mapmaker. − His followers called him the second [[Plato]].
no edit summary
[[File:Eratosthenes.jpg|right]]
[[File:Eratosthenes.jpg|right]]
'''Eratosthenes''' (275-194 B.C.) was the first Greek [[mathematician]] to calculate the circumference of the earth and the tilting of the earth's axis during rotation. He used principles of Euclidian [[geometry]].
'''Eratosthenes''' of Cyrene (275-194 B.C.) scientific writer, astronomer, geographer and poet, he was the first Greek [[mathematician]] to calculate the circumference of the earth and the tilting of the earth's axis during rotation. He used principles of [[Euclid|Euclidian]] [[geometry]].
He also invented the [[sieve of Eratosthenes]], which is a technique for separating composite from prime numbers in a natural series. The sieve appears in the ''Introduction to arithmetic'' by [[Nicomedes]].
Eratosthenes was the third librarian at Alexandria; in addition to his knowledge in many different areas, he was an accomplished mapmaker. Eratosthenes also made a catalog of stars with 675 stars listed in it.
His followers called him the second [[Plato]].
<blockquote>
He was, indeed, recognised by his contemporaries as a man of great distinction in all branches of knowledge, though in each subject he just fell short of the highest place. On the latter ground he was called Beta, and another nickname applied to him, Pentathlos, has the same implication, representing as it does an all-round athlete who was not the first runner or wrestler but took the second prize in these contests as well as others. [http://www.gap-system.org/~history/Biographies/Eratosthenes.html]
</blockquote>
Eratosthenes died in 194 BC in Alexandria, [[Egypt]].
== See also ==
*[[Polymath]]
*[[Archimedes]]
== External links ==
*[http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/191064/Eratosthenes-of-Cyrene Eratosthenes]
*[http://www.windows.ucar.edu/tour/link=/people/ancient_epoch/eratosthenes.html Eratosthenes]
== References ==
* Thomas Little Heath, A History of Greek Mathematics (2 vols.) (Oxford, 1921).
[[Category:Mathematicians]]
[[Category:Mathematicians]]
[[Category:Ancient Greece]]
[[Category:Ancient Greece]]