on this matter ( Courant and Robbins (1996) p. 398 ), ” With an absurd
oversimplification, the ’’invention” of calculus is sometimes ascribed to two
men, Newton and Leibniz. In reality, calculus is the product of a long evolu-
tion that was neither initiated nor terminated by Newton and Leibniz, but
in which they played a decisive part.”
Very often development in science is hampered if the adequate and appro-
priate mathematical framework does not exist. Therefore, had the algebra of
tensors not been developed by Einstein’s contemporary mathematicians, he
would never have been able to give his equation of motion in General Theory
of Relativity in 1915. This equation gives the force of gravity as an entirely
pure geometry on the left hand side of the equation while all the other forces -
strong, weak and electromagnetic which describe all the matter particles and
radiation, sit on the right hand side of the equation. This may be called the
Ultimate Equation relating space, time and matter. This extremely beautiful
and revealing equation describing nature could not have been ’read’ but for
the fortuitous contemporary development of tensor algebra.
However, note that if the ideas presented here are correct ie mathematics
is indeed the language of nature, then this would allow ’’anyone” ( who is
sufficiently prepared ) to read it. And indeed in the case of the General
Theory of Relativity the German mathematician A. Hilbert simultaneous to
Einstein, had ’’read” the same equation. This is being revealed as further
facts about the General Theory of Relativity are coming to light in recent
years. This is in contrast to the earlier popular opinion that the General
Theory of Relativity was the mysterious creation of Einstein and none other.
That is, as per this opinion, had Einstein not been born there would have
been no General Theory of Relativity today. Misreading of history can indeed
make one appear like a blind person groping in a maze. ( This groping would
be in addition to what all scientists∕mathematicians∕philosophers have to
do anyway as part of their work to understand and read nature - quite a
demanding and challenging job in itself! ). That view was at complete
variance with the fact that correct mathematics is indeed the language of
nature and practically anyone ( proviso sufficient mathematical and scientific
background is there ) can ’’read” it!
As an attestation to the fact that mathematics is the language of nature,
history of science is replete with examples where more than one scientist,
’read’ the same language independently. The above example of Newton vs
Leibniz and Einstein vs Hilbert are but two such cases.