Condensation of Determinants by Lewis Carroll

(2 User reviews)   2538
Carroll, Lewis, 1832-1898 Carroll, Lewis, 1832-1898
English
Ever wonder what the author of Alice in Wonderland did in his day job? Lewis Carroll wasn't just a whimsical storyteller; he was a serious mathematician. This book pulls back the curtain. It's not a storybook, but a puzzle box from the Victorian era. Carroll takes a dense, complex mathematical procedure—condensing determinants—and tries to explain it with his signature clarity. The real mystery here isn't in a plot, but in watching a brilliant, playful mind tackle a subject that makes most people's eyes glaze over. It's a fascinating look at the other side of a literary genius.
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first to create an interest in this important subject. Since then Dr. Seiss, of Philadelphia, has endeavoured to popularize her work on the other side of the Atlantic; and brief references have been made to the subject in such books as _Moses and Geology_, by Dr. Kinns, and in _Primeval Man_; but it was felt, for many reasons, that it was desirable to make another effort to set forth, in a more complete form, the _witness of the stars to prophetic truth_, so necessary in these last days. To the late Miss Rolleston, however, belongs the honour of collecting a mass of information bearing on this subject; but, published as it was, chiefly in the form of _notes_, unarranged and unindexed, it was suited only for, but was most valuable to, the student. She it was who performed the drudgery of collecting the facts presented by Albumazer, the Arab astronomer to the Caliphs of Grenada, 850 A.D.; and the Tables drawn up by Ulugh Beigh, the Tartar prince and astronomer, about 1450 A.D., who gives the Arabian Astronomy as it had come down from the earliest times. Modern astronomers have preserved, and still have in common use, the ancient names of over a hundred of the principal stars which have been handed down; but now these names are used merely as a convenience, and without any reference to their significance. This work is an attempt to popularize this ancient information, and to use it in the interests of truth. For the ancient astronomical facts and the names, with their signification, I am, from the very nature of the case, indebted, of course, to all who have preserved, collected, and handed them down; but for their interpretation I am alone responsible. It is for the readers to judge how far my conclusions are borne out by the evidence; and how far the foundation of our hopes of coming glory are strengthened by the prophecies which have been written in the stars of heaven, as well as in the Scriptures of truth. For the illustrations I am greatly indebted to Jamieson’s _Celestial Atlas_, 1820; Flammarion’s _L’Étoiles_; Sir John W. Lubbock’s _Stars in Six Maps_, 1883; and to the late Mr. Edward J. Cooper’s _Egyptian Scenery_, 1820. For the general presentation and arrangement of the Constellations I am responsible, while for the drawings my thanks are due to my friend Miss Amy Manson. It is the possession of “that blessed hope” of Christ’s speedy return from Heaven which will give true interest in the great subject of this book. No one can dispute the antiquity of the Signs of the Zodiac, or of the Constellations. No one can question the accuracy of the ancient star‐names which have come down to us, for they are still preserved in every good celestial atlas. And we hope that no one will be able to resist the cumulative evidence that, apart from God’s grace in Christ there is no hope for sinners now: and apart from God’s glory, as it will be manifested in the return of Christ from Heaven, there is no hope for the Church, no hope for Israel, no hope for the world, no hope for a groaning creation. In spite of all the vaunted promises of a religious World, and of a worldly Church, to remove the effects of the curse by a Social Gospel of Sanitation, we are more and more shut up to the prophecy of Gen. iii. 15, which we wait and long to see fulfilled in Christ as our only hope. This is beautifully expressed by the late Dr....

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Put aside any expectations of a White Rabbit or a Mad Hatter. Condensation of Determinants is pure Lewis Carroll, the Oxford mathematician (real name: Charles Lutwidge Dodgson). This short work is his attempt to explain and simplify a specific method in algebra. There's no narrative, but there is a clear goal: to make a tricky piece of math more accessible through a step-by-step guide he called the 'condensation' method.

The Story

There isn't a story in the traditional sense. Think of it as a very clever instruction manual. Carroll lays out his novel technique for calculating determinants (a mathematical object used in solving systems of equations). He walks you through the process, which he designed to be less prone to error than standard methods. The 'plot' is the journey from a complex problem to a clear solution, orchestrated by a mind that loved logic, puzzles, and elegant order.

Why You Should Read It

Reading this is like finding the secret blueprint to Carroll's brain. You see the precise, logical foundation that underpinned his wild fictional creations. For fans of his stories, it's a revelation. It connects the dots between the nonsense logic of Wonderland and the formal logic of mathematics. There's a unique charm in his straightforward, earnest prose as he explains rows and columns. You can almost hear the voice of a dedicated teacher, which he was.

Final Verdict

This is a niche but utterly fascinating read. It's perfect for Carroll completists, history of science enthusiasts, or anyone curious about the links between creativity and logic. Don't expect a page-turner; expect a historical document that offers a short, intimate visit with one of literature's most intriguing minds, showing you the gears and clockwork behind the magic. You'll never look at the Cheshire Cat's grin quite the same way again.



📜 Community Domain

This historical work is free of copyright protections. It serves as a testament to our shared literary heritage.

Noah Hill
9 months ago

Not bad at all.

Betty Allen
1 year ago

Without a doubt, the depth of research presented here is truly commendable. I will read more from this author.

4.5
4.5 out of 5 (2 User reviews )

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