Episode 55 - Injective - Thomas K Briggs - On The Mathematicians’ Library

In this special book club episode of 'The Mathematicians Podcast', I sit down with author, maths communicator, and museum learning consultant, Thomas K. Briggs. Join us for a glass of wine and a deep dive into Tom's book, 'The Mathematicians Library', a title so intriguing it was a must-have for the show.

This 'Injectives' sub-series episode is a one-to-one conversation; today exploring the vast history of mathematical literature. Discover the oldest book in Tom's personal collection and unravel the criteria for what truly constitutes a "book of mathematics". Tom paints a vivid picture of ancient mathematical works, describing the evolution of writing media before the age of flat sheets and ink.

The discussion navigates through the emergence of authorship in the Mediterranean, Indian, and Chinese traditions, and Tom shares his favourite example of a significant mathematical work without a known author. He also recounts the fascinating journey of a particular mathematical text through the ages, a story of translation and transcription that has preserved ancient knowledge.

In a new segment of "Desert Island Codex," Tom reveals which ancient mathematical document he would choose to study in solitude and which ancient lecture he would love to have heard. 

Moving beyond the book, the episode looks into Tom's work as a museum consultant. He sheds light on the origins of encryption and the methods ancient leaders used to send secret messages. The discussion also explores the vast, untranslated collection of Babylonian tablets and what they might still reveal about Mesopotamian mathematical understanding.

Finally, Tom offers his own insightful, pithy definition of what mathematics truly is. He also reveals which mathematician he is most excited to see featured on a future episode of the podcast.

Tune in for a captivating conversation that journeys through the annals of mathematical history, from ancient texts to modern museum exhibits.

 

You can find Ben on Bluesky @mathematicians-pod. You can support him at ko-fi.com/benjamincornish.

 

You can find Tom: on his website https://tkbriggs.co.uk/ ; on Bluesky  @TeaKayB.mathsy.space ; Join the History and Mathematics in Education Network https://historyand.mathsy.space/ ; 

 

 

The music was-
"Danse Macabre - Finale"
Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

 

Keywords: history of maths, ancient mathematics, mathematical literature, Thomas K. Briggs, The Mathematicians' Library, Euclid, ancient texts, encryption, Bletchley Park, Babylonian tablets, museums, history of science, mathematics podcast.

Hashtags: #TheMathematiciansPodcast #HistoryOfMaths #AncientMaths #MathematicalBooks #STEM #Podcast #Interview #Maths #History #Science #Books #Museums #Encryption #TheMathematiciansLibrary