Medieval Arabic algebra as an artificial language (Q935697)

This is an informative survey of Arabic algebra, emphasizing its artificial language nature, its uses and applications. It raises and answers the question why Arabic algebra remained a method of solving specific problems and did not develop into a theory like geometry. The reason is seen precisely in the existence of Greek geometry, ``an edifice which already satisfied the theoretical needs of mathematicians and scientists,'' and the absence of a ``motive to oust geometry at [that] time in history.''