The identity of the mathematical practitioner in 16th-century England (Q2735051)

The last paragraph of the paper gives the conclusions: `Mathematical practice was thus largely distinct both from academic natural philosophy and from Dee's philosophical and metaphysical aspirations. Generalising, one can conclude that the role of the mathematical practitioner did not comfortably fit with contemporary expectations of scholarship \(\dots\). Distinct from these categories of scholar and craftsman, and also distant from the role of the courtly `mathematicus', the mathematical practitioner could be positioned as a published author, a deviser of instruments or a technical advisor -- a figure activc in the market place and an intermediary between the mechanical arts and the realm of patrons and statesmen. The dynamism of mathematical practice -- its enthusiastic promotion and rapid expansion -- was rooted precisely in the novelty and the ambiguities of this identity'.NEWLINENEWLINEFor the entire collection see [Zbl 0964.00032].