The materiality of mathematics: Forbidden not to touch history at the museum

Abstract

Is it possible to experience the history of mathematics through tangible objects? This work aims to communicate the history of mathematics through the museographic resources of contemporary mathematics museums. This goal is theoretically specified by limiting the historiography to the study of the material culture of mathematical practice, and by limiting the museum strategy to interactive resources typical of tactile exhibition regimes. The paper’s central part consists of describing an exhibition unit that can be implemented in a museum. It is composed of seven modules that relate a manipulable material, a mathematical challenge, and theoretical reflections on the history of mathematics. The seven materials (old writing surfaces, abacuses, compasses, blackboards, perforated cards, calculators, and computers) are objects from the history of mathematics that contextualise mathematical practice. This ensemble conveys the importance of materiality in shaping mathematical practice and results, enriching the perception of mathematics as historically and culturally embedded knowledge.