Pythagoras of Samos is often described as the first pure mathematician. He is an extremely important figure in the development of mathematics yet we know relatively little about his mathematical achievements. Unlike many later Greek mathematicians, where at least we have some of the books which they wrote, we have nothing of Pythagoras's writings. The society which he led, half religious and half scientific, followed a code of secrecy which certainly means that today Pythagoras is a mysterious figure.
Anaximander of Miletus, Philosopher
Anaximander, Ionian philosopher of Miletus, the first Greek known to have written (c.546) a book in prose, a treatise on nature, now lost except for one quotation. It was...
