Science, one of the most influential subject, has made enormous impacts in Europe during the seventeenth century. Before the seventeenth century, Europe has made minimal progress in science related advancement. On the other hand, the Asian countries have made progress in scientific advancements until the Europeans rise (Goldstone 136). For example, the Chinese developed gun powder, compass, and printing press (Strasser “The Scientific Revolution”). In the seventeenth century, the century which Europe starts to emerge as one of the powerhouses in the world because of the Scientific Revolution. The Scientific Revolution has helped European develop in mathematics, astronomy, and physics (McKay et al., 556). Scientists like Isaac Newton, Galileo
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In the sixteenth century, sea navigators were seeking for alternative route to navigate their ships, and one of the best way was to use trigonometry (a sub-topic of geometry) to calculate angle and positions. Thomas Harriot, a mathematician, who studied trigonometry, was able to turn his findings into practical advantages. He donated ‘meridional parts’, a table guidance that aid navigators for making a more accurate estimate of the required bearing. (Biggs 79-80). However, trigonometry was too complicated for most sea navigator to understand, the economical aspect has often been neglected since there were no visible effects during the time period. Moreover, traders and workers were not familiar with most fundamental mathematical skills, which they obviously were unable to put trigonometry in practical use (Burton 314). Therefore, the impacts on economy from mathematics in trigonometry served as a stepping stone for future mathematic development as well as signs for improving Europeans’ mathematical skills in order to obtain full effects, basic arithmetic, calculus, and geometry, on new mathematical
In the sixteenth century, sea navigators were seeking for alternative route to navigate their ships, and one of the best way was to use trigonometry (a sub-topic of geometry) to calculate angle and positions. Thomas Harriot, a mathematician, who studied trigonometry, was able to turn his findings into practical advantages. He donated ‘meridional parts’, a table guidance that aid navigators for making a more accurate estimate of the required bearing. (Biggs 79-80). However, trigonometry was too complicated for most sea navigator to understand, the economical aspect has often been neglected since there were no visible effects during the time period. Moreover, traders and workers were not familiar with most fundamental mathematical skills, which they obviously were unable to put trigonometry in practical use (Burton 314). Therefore, the impacts on economy from mathematics in trigonometry served as a stepping stone for future mathematic development as well as signs for improving Europeans’ mathematical skills in order to obtain full effects, basic arithmetic, calculus, and geometry, on new mathematical