Mathematics

Mathematics - "was created by the inherent need to describe and analyze elements of the physical world as accurately as possible"

Our Mathematics began in the ancient Mesopotamian civilizations. The Babylonians already knew much of the mathematics taught traditionally in our schools. Their algebra and geometry was phrased in terms of crops and fields and money. Since the Renaissance, much of mathematics has come from problems in physics and astronomy; for example, calculus arose from problems in mechanics. In turn mathematics has provided the theoretical framework and tools in the Physical Sciences.

In the 19th century some parts of mathematics appeared to develop away from their origins in the physical world. To the great surprise of many scientists and mathematicians, some of this "pure" mathematics has turned out to be essential in many aspects of 20th century science. Differential geometry provides the language for general relativity and cosmology and Hilbert space theory and group representations are the tools for quantum mechanics. Similarly graph theory, combinatorics and number theory play a major role in computer science.