Medieval mathematicians and mathematics
In March 2012 we ran two sessions in the Chapter House of Lincoln Cathedral, one for adults and one for students.
Part of the reason for doing so was that Robert Grosseteste, the 13th century theologian,
priest, scientist and mathematician,
was appointed Bishop of Lincoln in 1235 and died
in 1253. His tomb is a prominent feature in the South East transept.
Shortly after
his death, the east end of the Cathedral was reconstructed to form the Angel Choir,
a magnificent example of
early geometric decorated style including the east window
whose outline has some interesting mathematical properties.
His remarkable legacy
points the way towards the study of what medieval mathematicians contributed to the
progress
of science and mathematics during the early stages of the renaissance of
European learning.
The session for adults was to raise awareness of the existence of the Ri classes but also to be a lecture in its own right.
Click this link for an edited version of the lecture for adults on Wednesday 21st March.
Click for timeline which was used in both sessions.
Some of the illustrations in the lectures were interactive using geometrical software.
You can download a web-