cover image Pitagoras = Pythagoras

Pitagoras = Pythagoras

Mario Perez Ruiz, Mario M. Perez-Ruiz. Grupo Oceano, $30.5 (240pp) ISBN 978-84-494-1658-3

The Greek mathematician Pythagoras is credited with the discovery of the mechanical clock, the decimal system, the orbit of planets around the sun, the zodiac, and the study of physiognomy. Adds Perez, ""the Ancients viewed him as a wonderful and supernatural man."" Some thought that he could travel through space and time and that he knew the languages of animals, birds, and plants. This biographical work argues that knowledge of mathematical and geometrical concepts has been fundamental at every stage of human progress. But Pythagoras' contribution to this development is not always evident, since P rez Ruiz is often sidetracked by unfounded assumptions and esoteric beliefs. Still, the chapters on medieval cathedrals and geometry may support the author's argument, and a chapter on the Alexandria Library is of some interest as well. P rez Ruiz has previously written about poetry, theater, and editorial work, but he does not inspire here. Recommended only for large public library collections. Ceres Birkhead, Univ. of Utah Lib., Salt Lake City