Exhibition of pre-1700 mathematical texts at Maynooth University

An exhibition of mathematical texts spanning over 200 years has opened in the Russell Library at Maynooth University.  'Reading Euclid’: Examining the key mathematical text through an exhibition at the Russell Library is a collaboration between Maynooth University, St Patrick’s College, Maynooth and the University of Oxford. 
The exhibition was opened this evening by Professor Philip Nolan, President of Maynooth University, Rev Prof Michael Mullaney, President of St Patrick's College, Maynooth, and Dr Philip Beeley, Research Fellow at the University of Oxford.
The exhibition offers insights into how this important mathematical text was used by readers for mathematical instruction or to advance mathematical understanding. 
The exhibition of pre-1700 texts, which will run until the end of July, is part of 'Reading Euclid: Euclid's Elements of Geometry in Early Modern Britain and Ireland'. Dr Beeley, member of the Reading Euclid project team, will discuss the discoveries made while studying these texts, such as notation, which sheds some light on how these books were used.
Euclid's Elements is widely considered one of the most influential works ever written, and has played a key role in education for over 2,000 years. It has been central to much of the mathematics that has been taught in Ireland for generations, and the exhibition also highlights Maynooth’s role in this mathematical instruction.
Maynooth University continues as a leader in mathematics education to this day, with teacher training for mathematics at primary, secondary and third level. Proficiency in mathematics is crucial in the modern world, not only in STEM subjects, but increasingly across other subject areas such as Economics, Business, Psychology and Medicine. Engaging instruction and flexible and relevant curricula are crucial elements for the success of any student with mathematics. Research conducted at Maynooth University in mathematics education and the history of mathematics has allowed scholars to positively influence teachers in Ireland and use historical examples to affect curricula which meet the demands of a modern society. 
The exhibition, which is part of a series of exhibitions across 29 locations in the UK and Ireland, is free and open to the public. 
Dr Ciarán Mac an Bhaird (Department of Mathematics and Statistics) and Barbara McCormack (Special Collections Librarian) curated the exhibition.