This early work on mathematics details the history and development of algebra by Greek mathematician Diophantus of Alexandria. This is a fascinating book and thoroughly recommended for anyone interested in the origins of algebra and the evolution of mathematics, as well as providing interesting reading for discerning historians and grecophiles. The honourable Sir Thomas Little Heath was a British civil servant, classical scholar, mathematician, historian, translator, and mountaineer. A worthy addition to any personal library, this text is now extremely rare and is proudly republished here with an original biography of the author.