This comprehensive study traces the historic development of division in extreme and mean ratio (the golden number) from its first appearance in Euclid's Elements through the 18th century. Coherent, rigorous presentation features numerous illus.

A comprehensive study of the historic development of division in extreme and mean ratio (the golden number), this text traces the concept's development from its first appearance in Euclid's Elements through the 18th century. The coherent but rigorous presentation offers clear explanations of DEMR's historical transmission, poses controversial views on the concept's relationship to other mathematical topics, and features numerous illustrations.