Isaac Todhunter (1820-1884): Textbook writer, scholar, coach and historian of science (Q2565257)

Todhunter's four significant historical research works are the following: A history of the calculus of variations during the 19th century (1861), A history of the mathematical theory of probability (1865), A history of the mathematical theories of attraction and the figure of the Earth,\dots (1873), The history of the theory of elasticity and the strength of materials (with K. Pearson, 1875). The purpose of this paper is to try to revive appreciation of Todhunter's contribution in their several dimensions. The four page outline of Todhunter's life history contains very many interesting facts. The next section comments the above mentioned four monographs. These are followed by short accounts of some of his score or more well-known textbooks at junior and sophomore level. A number of miscellaneous mathematics-related books are also discussed, and finally, his success as a private tutor and a coach of undergraduates for mathematics degrees at Cambridge. It is especially interesting to read Pearson's view of Todhunter. The paper is very enjoyable (and sad: Todhunter's books have disappeared from library shelves).