Nicholas of Cusa (1401-1464)

German philosopher, theologian, astronomer, and mathematician, best known for his philosophy which can be summarized in two phrases: "Coincidence of Opposites" and "of Learned Ignornance". Some of his ideas and work with the finite and infinite foreshadowed the later development of Calculus. He recognized that while circles are not lines, if we look at circles of larger and larger radius, then the circumference appears to approach a straight line. He also spent a bit of time on trying to square the circle.

Stamps

Stamp Description
Vatican City, L.200, 1964
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