IN preparing this second edition the earlier portions of the book
have been partly re-written, while the chapters on recent mathematics
are greatly enlarged and almost wholly new. The desirability of
having a reliable one-volume history for the use of readers who cannot
devote themselves to an intensive study of the history of mathematics
is generally recognized. On the other hand, it is a difficult task to
give an adequate bird's-eye-view of the development of mathematics
from its earliest beginnings to the present time. In compiling this
history the endeavor has been to use only the most reliable sources.
Nevertheless, in covering such a wide territory, mistakes are sure to
have crept in. References to the sources used in the revision are
given as fully as the limitations of space would permit. These ref-
erences will assist the reader in following into greater detail the his-
tory of any special subject. Frequent use without acknowledgment
has been made of the following publications: Annuario Biografico del
Circolo Matematico di Palermo, 1914; Jahrbuch über die Fortschritte der
Mathematik, Berlin; J. C. Poggendorff's Biographisch-Literarisches
Handwörterbuch, Leipzig; Gedenklagebuch für Mathematiker,von Felix
Müller, 3. Aufl., Leipzigund Berlin, 1912; Revue Semestrielle des Pub-
lications Mathématiques, Amsterdam.

The author is indebted to Miss Falka M. Gibsonof Oakland, Cal.
for assistance in the reading of the proofs.

FLORIAN CAJORI.

University of California,
March, 1919.

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