Definition:Infinitesimal/Historical Note
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Historical Note on Infinitesimal
The concept of an infinitesimal was initially proposed by Gottfried Wilhelm von Leibniz when inventing calculus.
The logical inconsistencies of this approach, famously criticised by Bishop Berkeley, caused it to be abandoned.
However, the concept has been revived in recent years with the invention of non-standard analysis.
Sources
- 2008: Ian Stewart: Taming the Infinite ... (previous) ... (next): Chapter $8$: The System of the World: Leibniz