Original version

BBC Radio 4

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

BBC Radio 4 LW

A Brief History of Mathematics

BBC Radio 4 FM

BBC Radio 4 Extra

A Brief History of Mathematics: Henri Poincaré

Henri Poincaré

BBC Radio 4 Extra - A Brief History of Mathematics, Henri Poincaré

Professor Marcus du Sautoy argues that mathematics drives science.

Marcus du Sautoy argues that mathematics is the driving force behind modern science: Henri Poincaré, maths and problems.

This ten part history of mathematics from Newton to the present day, reveals the personalities behind the calculations: the passions and rivalries of mathematicians struggling to get their ideas heard. Professor Marcus du Sautoy shows how these masters of abstraction find a role in the real world and proves that mathematics is the driving force behind modern science. 

Today Henri Poincaré, the man who proved there are certain problems that mathematics will never be able to answer: a mathematical insight that gave rise to chaos theory. 

Producer:  Anna Buckley

From 2010.

Your digital radio entertainment station showcasing the best in comedy and drama

Your digital radio entertainment station showcasing the best in comedy and drama. With recent favourites from BBC Radio 4.

Documentaries

Factual: History

Factual: Science & Nature: Science & Technology

Professor Marcus du Sautoy reveals the personalities behind the calculations.

Professor of Mathematics Marcus du Sautoy reveals the personalities behind the calculations and argues that mathematics is the driving force behind modern science.

Accessibility links

Programme Index

A Brief History of Mathematics

Henri Poincaré

Genres

Series

BBC Radio 4 LW

About BBC Radio 4