Philosophy and Fun of Algebra by Mary Everest Boole

By Loyal Books

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Episodes: 36

Description

Mary Everest Boole (1832-1916) was born Mary Everest in England and spent her early years in France. She married mathematician George Boole. She was the author of several works on teaching and teaching mathematics in particular. This short book, Philosophy and Fun of Algebra, is meant to be read by children and introduces algebra and logic. She uses the word “algebra” broadly, defining it as a “method of solving problems by honest confession of one’s ignorance”. Using this definition, Boole introduces, in a conversational manner, the concepts of logic and algebra, illustrating these concepts with stories and anecdotes, often from biblical sources. At times, her discussion seems somewhat mystical, speaking of the imagination and angels as messengers which guide one toward the next step in a logical investigation. Boole ends the book with a reminder that algebra’s essential element is “the habitual registration of the exact limits of one’s knowledge” and a call for the public to keep this principle in mind when encountering any situation.

Episode Date
01 – From Arithmetic to Algebra
Jan 02, 2026
02 – The Making of Algebras
Jan 01, 2026
03 – Simultaneous Problems
Dec 31, 2025
04 – Partial Solutions.. Elements of Complexity
Dec 30, 2025
05 – Mathematical Certainty…
Dec 29, 2025
06 – The First Hebrew Algebra
Dec 28, 2025
07 – How to Choose Our Hypotheses
Dec 27, 2025
08 – The Limits of the Teacher
Dec 26, 2025
09 – The Use of Sewing Cards
Dec 25, 2025
10 – The Story of a Working Hypothesis
Dec 24, 2025
11 – Macbeth’s Mistake
Dec 23, 2025
12 – Jacob’s Ladder
Dec 22, 2025
13 – The Great x of the World
Dec 21, 2025
14 – Go Out of My Class-Room
Dec 20, 2025
15 – Square Root of Minus One
Dec 19, 2025
16 – Infinity
Dec 18, 2025
17 – From Bondage to Freedom
Dec 17, 2025
18 – Appendix
Dec 16, 2025