| RefNo | MS/81/23 |
| Previous numbers | MS 81.20 |
| Level | Item |
| Title | Letter, from [Gottfried Leibniz] to [Henry Oldenburg], dated in Paris |
| Date | 6 October 1674 |
| Description | Letter in Leibniz' hand, titled "Dr Leibniz to M. Oldenburg, concerning some algebraical and geometrical matters, and particularly the dimension of curve lines" in Oldenburg's hand. Dated 16 October using Gregorian calendar by Leibniz.
Summarises the circulation of letters between Oldenburg and himself, mentioning the role of [Christian Albert] Walter and [Francis] Vernon as intermediaries and translators.
Encloseis a description of a trumpet used to ampify the voice devised by a Frenchman.
Recounts the latest development in mathematics in France, mentioning [René] Descartes' work on algebra; [Francois] Viete; [Florimond de] Beaune; [Jan] Hudde; Jacques Ozanam's plans to publish Diophantus as recommended by [Jacques de] Billy.
Discusses his achievement regarding moving the problem of squaring the circle from geometry to calculus, going further than [Viscount William] Brouncker and [Michael] Mercator, he found a progression of rational numbers whose sum tending to infinity would be equal to the circle
A small passage of this demonstration and claim is underlined in red to mark its inclusion in the printed 'Commercium Epistolicum' 1722 edition, page 115, paragraph XXXIII. Marginal annotation regarding Gregory's contribution in the margins but crossed out.
Closing on asking for medical and chemical news, sending salutations to [Robert] Boyle; [Robert] Hooke and [John] Wallis.
Endorsed 'No. 33: p. 115' on the front page in a different hand.
Note on the back of the letter in Oldenburg's hand "replied 8 December 1674" and note on Diophantus' problems remarking Fermat's and James Gregory's contribution to solving them.
Noe: not included in the Correspondence of Henry Oldenburg by Hall & Hall. |
| Language | Latin |
| Extent | 4pp. |
| Format | Manuscript |
| PhysicalDescription | Ink; paper |
| AccessStatus | Open |
| RelatedMaterial | Original printed as letter 2550 in Hall & Hall, "The correspondence of Henry Oldenburg, vol. XI", pp.98-103 |
| RelatedRecord | MS/81/24 |
Fellows associated with this archive
| Code | PersonName | Dates |
| NA8001 | Oldenburg; Henry (c 1619 - 1677); natural philosopher and scientific correspondent | c 1619 - 1677 |
| NA8450 | Leibniz; Gottfried Wilhelm von (1646 - 1716); mathematician and natural philosopher | 1646 - 1716 |