Fermat's Principle of Least Time/Historical Note

Historical Note on Fermat's Principle of Least Time

While Fermat's Principle of Least Time is named for Pierre de Fermat, it has been understood from antiquity.

Its first appearance seems to have been when it was applied by Heron of Alexandria when he formulated his Principle of Reflection.


Sources

  • 1937: Eric Temple Bell: Men of Mathematics ... (previous) ... (next): Chapter $\text{IV}$: The Prince of Amateurs
  • 1992: George F. Simmons: Calculus Gems ... (previous) ... (next): Chapter $\text {A}.7$: Heron (first century A.D.)
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