Sciences et Savoirs - 4: Nova Stereometria Doliorum Vinariorum / New Solid Geometry of Wine Barrels

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Johannes Kepler (1571-1630), the renowned astronomer and mathematician, is known for his three planetary laws. In 1615, he published his significant mathematical work, Nova stereometria doliorum vinariorum, which positioned him as a precursor to infinitesimal mathematics. In the dedication to his patrons, Kepler noted that his second marriage spurred him to write this treatise. While acquiring wine barrels for his new family, he was intrigued by how the seller used a single gauging rod indiscriminately, without considering the barrel shapes or performing calculations. This prompted Kepler to establish a geometrical foundation for accurate measurement, exploring Archimedes's results through the lens of indivisibles. Unbeknownst to him, Archimedes had previously employed a similar method in his correspondence with Eratosthenes, rediscovered in 1906. Kepler, however, expanded on these ideas, investigating the volumes of rotating surfaces like apples and lemons, and delving into the solid geometry of conoids and spheroids. His work also includes significant findings about the relationships between cylinders and conjugate conical frustums, ultimately demonstrating that the Austrian barrel has the largest volume for a given gauging length. The volume features the original Latin text alongside the first complete English translation, complemented by a comprehensive introduction detailing Kepler's life, works, and the key concepts of t