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Description
The Cult of Pythagoras: Math and MythsIn this follow up to his popular Science Secrets, Alberto A. Mart nez discusses various popular myths from the history of mathematics: that Pythagoras proved the hypotenuse theorem, that Archimedes figured out how to test the purity of a gold crown while he was in a bathtub, that the Golden Ratio is in nature and ancient architecture, that the young Galois created group theory the night before the pistol duel that killed him, and more. Some stories
In this follow-up to his popular Science Secrets, Alberto A. Mart nez discusses various popular myths from the history of mathematics: that Pythagoras proved the hypotenuse theorem, that Archimedes figured out how to test the purity of a gold crown while he was in a bathtub, that the Golden Ratio is in nature and ancient architecture, that the young Galois created group theory the night before the pistol duel that killed him, and more. Some stories are partly true, others are entirely false, but all show the power of invention in history. Pythagoras emerges as a symbol of the urge to conjecture and "fill in the gaps" of history. He has been credited with fundamental discoveries in mathematics and the sciences, yet there is nearly no evidence that he really contributed anything to such fields at all. This book asks: how does history change when we subtract the many small exaggerations and interpolations that writers have added for over two thousand years? The Cult of Pythagoras is also about invention in a positive sense. Most people view mathematical breakthroughs as "discoveries" rather than invention or creativity, believing that mathematics describes a realm of eternal ideas. But mathematicians have disagreed about what is possible and impossible, about what counts as a proof, and even about the results of certain operations. Was there ever invention in the history of concepts such as zero, negative numbers, imaginary numbers, quaternions, infinity, and infinitesimals? Mart nez inspects a wealth of primary sources, in several languages, over a span of many centuries. By exploring disagreements and ambiguities in the history of the elements of mathematics, The Cult of Pythagoras dispels myths that obscure the actual origins of mathematical concepts. Mart nez argues that an accurate history that analyzes myths reveals neglected aspects of mathematics that can encourage creativity in students and mathematicians.Binding Type: Paperback
Publisher: University of Pittsburgh Press
Published: 06/26/2013
ISBN: 9780822962700
Pages: 264
Weight: 1.01lbs
Size: 9.30h x 6.10w x 0.90d
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★★★★★ 5
It works! Quality pillow.
Size: Standard (1 Count), Color: Original White (Cooling)
This does actually provide a cooling effect, and it's very comfortable! The accompanying literature is helpful too. I believe this to be a quality pillow for the price.
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Reviewed in the United States on June 2, 2026
★★★★★ 5
Most comfortable pillow I’ve ever slept on
Size: Queen (1 Count), Color: Crescent White(cooling)
This is the most comfortable pillow I have ever slept on. It doesn't mash down like other pillows. Cradles my neck perfectly plus it’s cool. I broke my neck a couple of years ago and this pillow feels very good and comfortable. Definitely recommend to everyone. Ive used it since May and it’s retained its shape.
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Reviewed in the United States on June 6, 2026
★★★★★ 4
Smell
Size: Queen (2 Count), Color: Original White (Cooling)
The fact that there are not more comments on the smell of these pillows has me worried about some of yall. Listen, I LOVE the weight, and the firmness, it’s perfect for that. However, these pillows are RANK. They have a very strong mildew-ish smell that lingers. I took the outer cover off and washed it and let the pillow air out for a few days, the smell is still very strong when you press your face against it, which one does because it is in fact designed for that purpose. It smells so bad. It’s nauseating. I can smell it through two pillowcases and blanket that I threw on top of them hoping an extra layer would trap the smell. I’ll bake them in the Texas sun tomorrow and hope that helps, because otherwise these are the perfect pillows for someone who wants to feel like they are hugging a torso but can’t stand the sound/feel of someone else breathing. I don’t know…4 stars, if the smell goes away I’ll come back.
Update: many many days later. Either they don’t really smell anymore or I got use to it. They’ve held their firmness and shape well. I like them.
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Reviewed in the United States on March 9, 2026
★★★★★ 5
Actually Cooling Pillow
Size: Queen (1 Count), Color: Original White (Cooling)
This is a really nice pillow, I was worried it would be too soft or too firm but it's just right and it's actually cooling, it feels cool every time I touch it. I've noticed an improvement in sleep since using it. Would recommend!
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Reviewed in the United States on May 27, 2026
★★★★★ 5
Repurchased in King Size – Still Love These Cooling Pillows
Size: King (2 Count), Color: Original White (Cooling), Size: King (2 Count), Color: Original White (Cooling)
After using the queen-size version of these pillows for over a year, we purchased the king-size set when we upgraded to a king mattress. Both my husband and I really like them.
The cooling feature works well, and we like that each side feels different—when I run cold, I use the softer bamboo side, while my husband prefers the cooler side since he tends to sleep hot. They fit well in our king-size pillowcases and feel supportive in all sleeping positions, whether I’m on my stomach, side, or back.
I also appreciate that you can remove some of the filling to adjust the firmness. The covers are washable, which makes them easy to maintain. Overall, we’re very happy with this repurchase and the long-lasting comfort.
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Reviewed in the United States on April 15, 2026