Mathematical linguistics is rooted both in Euclid’s (circa 325–265 BCE) axiomatic
method and in Pan¯ .ini’s (circa 520–460 BCE) method of grammatical description.
To be sure, both Euclid and Pan¯ .ini built upon a considerable body of knowledge
amassed by their precursors, but the systematicity, thoroughness, and sheer scope of
the Elements and the Asht.adhy ¯ ay¯ ¯ı would place them among the greatest landmarks
of all intellectual history even if we disregarded the key methodological advance they
made