In praise of geometry

Extract

My first contribution to the Mathematical Gazette appeared over half a century ago in October 1943 (why does ‘half a century’ sound more impressive than ‘fifty years’?) so the editor thinks I ought to contribute to the centenary issue. Looking back over the time I have spent studying and teaching mathematics, of all the changes that have taken place the one I most regret is the eclipse of geometry. As readers should know, the Association was originally founded as the ‘Association for the Improvement of Geometrical Teaching’ (in 1871), as in those days the only geometrical textbook in use was Euclid’s Elements. Splendid a job as Euclid did some 2300 years ago in bringing together and systematising the mathematical knowledge of his time (not all geometry, as some of his Books are really disguised algebra), it was never intended for the instruction of the young (although I suppose it was the world’s longest running best-seller!), and was doubtless little understood except by the ablest pupils.