Mathematical Recreations and Essays

Abstract

THIS edition differs from the third by containing chapters on the history of the mathematical tripos at Cambridge, Mersenne's numbers, and cryptography and ciphers, besides descriptions of some mathematical recreations previously omitted. The book has thus become more miscellaneous in character, but the additions fit in very well, and are all entertaining. Mr. Ball writes with enjoyment of his subject, and in a very agreeable style; moreover, he does not assume the reader to possess any knowledge of advanced mathematics. For those who wish to study any of the more important topics in detail he gives ample references; for those merely in search of diversion he provides a mine of amusement, in exploring which many pleasant hours may be spent. And there are some unsolved problems mentioned which the amateur with a mathematical turn of mind may attack with nearly as much chance of success as the expert; for instance, to give a strict proof that only four different colours are necessary to colour a map distinctly. Altogether this is an excellent work of its kind, and ought to find a large number of readers; even those who have a former edition will be likely to buy this one, if only for the sake of the very interesting account of the vicissitudes of the mathematical tripos.Mathematical Recreations and Essays.By W. W. Rouse Ball. Fourth edition. Pp. xvi + 402. (London: Macmillan and Co., Ltd., 1905.) Price 7s. net.