2007/02/12 by Roshdi Rashed · 4 citations
Physics and Astronomy · Mathematics · Arts and Humanities · #Historical Astronomy and Related Studies #History and Theory of Mathematics #Historical, Religious, and Philosophical Studies
paper · doi:10.1017/s0957423907000355
openalex publication_date 2007/02/12 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/05/21
After having reformulated optics, Ibn al-Haytham conceived of an analogous project for astronomy. This has just been revealed by an important book by the mathematician which has never been studied until now. Ibn al-Haytham's reform consists in excluding all cosmology, and in developing a systematic study of a celestial kinematics that has been completely geometrized. In turn, the realization of such a reform demanded innovative research in infinitesimal geometry. In this article, an attempt is made to present this new geometry, as well as the mathematical means invented to elaborate it.