Description

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The volume comprises author's mathematical writings through the year, 2006. Though nearly 80 % of Mathematical Reflections were written since 2003, a few, modified from certain articles, go back to the 1980's. However, the subjects are time independent. The kernels of the Reflections are drawn from everyday classrooms to mathematical conventions attended. The style is compact wrapping a couple of strands around a central theme. Some of the Reflections, like Calculus Defines Civilization, have been widely circulated. A few have been published in the Focus, the newsletter of the Mathematical Association of America. They are all fine-tuned after getting feedback from 100-strong readers on my e-mailing list. The Rise of Bernoullis and Hopitals has a predictive element in it, as it is very common today in the academe where research, over teaching, carries all the marbles. A few Reflections are centered on individuals including my colleagues, students, and teachers. Perhaps, one or two may be mathematically x-rated. There is a unique blend of mathematics as a language with English of which the author has his own stamp. The book is an easy reading for its small bites. However, it is the chewing part of a Reflection that uncovers its soul.