The Ancient Tradition of Geometric Problems (Dover Books on Mathematics)

This highly regarded study focuses on attempts by Hippocrates, Archimedes, other ancient Greeks to solve three classical problems: cube duplication, angle trisection, and circle-quadrature. Topics include origins of the study of conics, introduction of special mechanical curves, use of sliding rulers and calculating procedures, and much more. 255 black-and-white illustrations. "Essential reading" — Mathematical Reviews. 1986 edition.