The Mechanization thought and its Characteristics Contained in Newton's Mathematics
Xintong Yang *
Department of the History of Science, Tsinghua University, Beijing-100084, China.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Understanding the characteristics of Newtonian mathematics is of great value. By analyzing some of Newton’s representative mathematical contents, we found that: Newton used the thought of mathematical mechanization in his mathematics. Newton applied the thought of mathematical mechanization to the study not only of calculus but of arithmetic, algebra, polynomials, higher-order equation, geometry, series, differential equation, etc. Newton’s application of this thought in traditional mathematics is very similar to that of ancient Chinese mathematicians. While in modern mathematics, his procedures are briefer, faster, and more comprehensive than that of other mathematicians at that time. Newton’s wide application of the thought of mathematical mechanization strongly promoted the development of Western mathematics. Like Descartes and Leibniz, Newton was also a pioneer of the development and practical application of the thought of mathematical mechanization in the Western world.
Keywords: Newton, mechanization, mathematics, differential, equation