Most mathematicians' knowledge of Euclid's lost work on Porisms comes
from a very brief and general description by Pappus of Alexandria. While
Fermat and others made earlier attempts to explain the Porisms, it is
Robert Simson who is generally recognised as the first person to achieve
a genuine insight into the true nature of the subject.
In this book, Ian Tweddle, a recognised authority on 18th century
Scottish mathematics, presents for the first time a full and accessible
translation of Simson's work. Based on Simson's early paper of 1723, the
treatise, and various extracts from Simson's notebooks and
correspondence, this book provides a fascinating insight into the work
of an often-neglected figure. Supplemented by historical and
mathematical notes and comments, this book is a valuable addition to the
literature for anyone with an interest in mathematical history or
geometry.