The Mathematicians of the Middle Ages

Humanists sought to trace mathematical insight and innovation to the ancient greeks. But they had to admit that progress had been made in the mediaeval period, especially in the islamic world. There al harismi made breakthroughs in algebra. Ibnal hitham gave accurate account of optics to date. And astronomy was brought to new heights of sophistication. This was recognized in such works as lives of the mathematicians by benardino baldi.