Science networks historical studies ;

Labyrinth of Through discusses set theory's emergence and development, and the set-theoretical approach to mathematics during 1850-1840. Rather than focusing on Georg Cantor, it analyzes his work and transfinite set theory's emergence within the broader context of modern mathematics' rise. Questions addressed include: Why and how did mathematicians begin paying close attention to the notion of a set? What role did the notion of set play in the emergence of modern mathematics? How did set theory turn into an autonomous branch of mathematics, and how did our present conception of the theory become widely accepted? (from back cover copy)