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The Royal Society: Science in the Making

Paper, 'On the artithmetic of impossible quantities' by John Playfair

Reference number: L&P/7/20

Date: 1778

Description

Contains three figures.

Subject: Mathematics

Published in Philosophical Transactions, as 'On the arithmetic of impossible quantities.'

Read 26 February 1778

Reference number
L&P/7/20
Earliest possible date
1778
Physical description
Ink on paper
Page extent
31 pages
Format
Manuscript

Creator name

John Playfair

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Citation

John Playfair, Paper, 'On the artithmetic of impossible quantities' by John Playfair, 1778, L&P/7/20, The Royal Society Archives, London, https://makingscience.royalsociety.org/items/l-and-p_7_20/paper-on-the-artithmetic-of-impossible-quantities-by-john-playfair, accessed on 23 January 2026

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https://makingscience.royalsociety.org/items/l-and-p_7_20/paper-on-the-artithmetic-of-impossible-quantities-by-john-playfair

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  • Letters and Papers

    'Letters and Papers' contains the scientific correspondence sent to the Royal Society through the 18th century, many of which were published in its journal.

    Dates: 1741 - 1806

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