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Description
The Cult of Pythagoras: Math and MythsIn this follow up to his popular Science Secrets, Alberto A. Mart nez discusses various popular myths from the history of mathematics: that Pythagoras proved the hypotenuse theorem, that Archimedes figured out how to test the purity of a gold crown while he was in a bathtub, that the Golden Ratio is in nature and ancient architecture, that the young Galois created group theory the night before the pistol duel that killed him, and more. Some stories
In this follow-up to his popular Science Secrets, Alberto A. Mart nez discusses various popular myths from the history of mathematics: that Pythagoras proved the hypotenuse theorem, that Archimedes figured out how to test the purity of a gold crown while he was in a bathtub, that the Golden Ratio is in nature and ancient architecture, that the young Galois created group theory the night before the pistol duel that killed him, and more. Some stories are partly true, others are entirely false, but all show the power of invention in history. Pythagoras emerges as a symbol of the urge to conjecture and "fill in the gaps" of history. He has been credited with fundamental discoveries in mathematics and the sciences, yet there is nearly no evidence that he really contributed anything to such fields at all. This book asks: how does history change when we subtract the many small exaggerations and interpolations that writers have added for over two thousand years? The Cult of Pythagoras is also about invention in a positive sense. Most people view mathematical breakthroughs as "discoveries" rather than invention or creativity, believing that mathematics describes a realm of eternal ideas. But mathematicians have disagreed about what is possible and impossible, about what counts as a proof, and even about the results of certain operations. Was there ever invention in the history of concepts such as zero, negative numbers, imaginary numbers, quaternions, infinity, and infinitesimals? Mart nez inspects a wealth of primary sources, in several languages, over a span of many centuries. By exploring disagreements and ambiguities in the history of the elements of mathematics, The Cult of Pythagoras dispels myths that obscure the actual origins of mathematical concepts. Mart nez argues that an accurate history that analyzes myths reveals neglected aspects of mathematics that can encourage creativity in students and mathematicians.Binding Type: Paperback
Publisher: University of Pittsburgh Press
Published: 06/26/2013
ISBN: 9780822962700
Pages: 264
Weight: 1.01lbs
Size: 9.30h x 6.10w x 0.90d
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★★★★★ 5
Great Quality!
Color: Ivory White, Size: 2' x 6' (Sheepskin Shape), Color: Ivory White, Size: 2' x 6' (Sheepskin Shape)
I have owned many sheepskins before and this one is by far the best deal. Cheaper than similar sizes, but not in a bad way! It’s a beautiful creamy white, super plush, and is very long. We keep it on the back of our couch and it gives a very cozy vibe. I haven’t had any issues with it shedding.
Word of advice for cat owners: When we first got it, it did have a sheepskin smell but it isn’t a gross smell and it went away within a few days; however, my cat was very attracted to that smell and was “attacking” the sheepskin. We trained her not to do it just by spraying her with water—after a few times of that she stopped going anywhere near it. Now that the smell has dissipated, she isn’t attracted to it anymore but does like to sit on it every once and awhile (I can’t blame her, it’s sooooo soft). I saw someone else say their cat ruined their rug, so I wanted to give our story on how we prevented that and hopes it helps another cat owner. You just have to be alert for the first day, maybe even let it off-gas outside first, then keep a spray bottle nearby and the cat should stop messing with it!
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Reviewed in the United States on January 10, 2025
★★★★★ 5
Great little rug!
Color: Ivory White, Size: 2' x 3' (Sheepskin Shape), Color: Ivory White, Size: 2' x 3' (Sheepskin Shape)
This nice little sheepskin rug is the perfect finishing touch to my little reading nook. It’s soft and thick. Follow the enclosed instructions to fluff it up. I was going to order a second one but saw that the price jumped nearly $10 in a week. It’s nice but it’s not worth that amount. I’d buy it on sale though. Five stars.
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Reviewed in the United States on April 6, 2026
★★★★★ 5
Great product: thick and cozy
Size: Single Pelt/2 ft x 3 ft, Color: Natural (Ivory Whiite)
This is a lovely, thick sheepskin. I’m using it to drape over a chair. It’s very soft. The color is a natural white. Arrived quickly. The price was great for such a wonderful sheepskin.
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Reviewed in the United States on April 3, 2026
★★★★★ 5
Love it!
Size: 2' x 6' (Double Pelt), Color: Linen, Size: 2' x 6' (Double Pelt), Color: Linen
Exceeded all expectations. Bigger than I imagined it would be, super soft and thick, beautiful color (Linen), and no funky smell at all. It seems very durable. After running my hands all over it, no shedding occurred. I have yet to sit on it myself, though, as my cat claimed it right away - didn't even wait for me to remove the tag! He's been there for hours and I'm thinking I've lost my snuggle buddy, so I bought two more in the smaller size so he can have his own on the bed with me at night. I am so amazed by the quality, feel, and color. I can't believe I almost let other reviews deter me from this purchase. 100% thrilled with this beautiful pelt. Absolutely recommend!
UPDATE:
I received the other 2 purchased. Just as soft, just as thick, consistent color (Linen), no shedding, no smell. They have been in use for several days now without any issues. Love them all - and my snuggle buddy is back! 🥰
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Reviewed in the United States on April 22, 2024
★★★★★ 5
It’s wonderful!!
Size: 2' x 3' (Single Pelt), Color: Brown, Size: 2' x 3' (Single Pelt), Color: Brown
The product is wonderful! You know it is real, coz the smell doesn’t go away. I use it to meditate and cannot how nicely it created the perfect comforting barrier to help elevate my experience. I however want to find alternatives coz I stopped using animal products after turning a vegetarian. The size (it is bigger in person than in the pic) and color(brown) are perfect for what I do and doesn’t need much/any maintenance!
The white however needs a lot of attention and care.I’m sure it would last a decade and the weight is just right too!
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Reviewed in the United States on April 16, 2026