Memoire on the Theory of Matrices.

the invention of matrix calculus

First edition of the first work on the theory of matrices by the founder of the field, extracted from the Philosophical Transactions and attractively bound.

Mathematician Arthur Cayley (1821-1895), a fellow of Trinity College, Cambridge, published 'a major memoir on matrices in 1858. In this theory arrays of quantities called matrices are treated as single entities and the subject later became pivotal in the mathematics of the twentieth century. Other mathematicians had recognized that matrices were important, but Cayley felt the impetus to draw together the main ideas from which the theory could advance. He also discovered, independently of Hamilton, the striking theorem in the theory of matrices now known as the Cayley–Hamilton theorem.' (Oxford Dictionary of National Biography).

Matrix theory is of profound importance to modern applied mathematics, including in probability, game theory, computing and electronics, and quantum physics.

Journal extract; tall quarto (29 x 23 cm); a little toning along the edges of the leaves; late 20th century brown half calf, marbled sides, title to spine gilt, new endpapers, spine spotted and faded, binding a little rubbed, excellent condition.