An introduction to mathematics, by A. N. Whitehead.

220 INTRODUCTION TO MATHEMATICS
the simultaneous enunciation of the law of
natural selection by Darwin and Wallace,
and the simultaneous discovery of Neptune
by Adams and the French astronomer,
Leverrier, at once occur to the mind. The
disputes, as to whom the credit ought to be
given, are often influenced by an unworthy
spirit of nationalism. The really inspiring
reflection suggested by the history of mathematics is the unity of thought and interest
among men of so many epochs, so many
nations, and so many races. Indians, Egyptians, Assyrians, Greeks, Arabs, Italians,
Frenchmen, Germans, Englishmen, and Russians, have all made essential contributions
to the progress of the science. Assuredly the
jealous exaltation of the contribution of one
particular nation is not to show the larger
spirit.
The importance of the differential calculus
arises from the very nature of the subject,
which is the systematic consideration of the
rates of increase of functions. This idea is
immediately presented to us by the study of
nature; velocity is the rate of increase of the
distance travelled, and acceleration is the
rate of increase of velocity. Thus the fundamental idea of change, which is at the basis of
our whole perception of phenomena, immediately suggests the enquiry as to the rate of
change. The familiar terms of "quickly"