“Symbols are essential to comprehensive argument.”

—  Benjamin Peirce

On the Uses and Transformations of Linear Algebra (1875)
Context: Some definite interpretation of a linear algebra would, at first sight, appear indispensable to its successful application. But on the contrary, it is a singular fact, and one quite consonant with the principles of sound logic, that its first and general use is mostly to be expected from its want of significance. The interpretation is a trammel to the use. Symbols are essential to comprehensive argument.

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Benjamin Peirce photo
Benjamin Peirce 24
American mathematician 1809–1880

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