Geometry

This chapter presents Dodgson’s geometrical work, and in particular his interest in Euclid’s Elements. It describes the contents and structure of this work and considers the various Victorian editions, and looks at how Dodgson used the Elements in his teaching – both face-to-face and in his writing for students. Following a discussion of the Euclid debate, prevalent at the time, the chapter describes his book Euclid and his Modern Rivals, in which Dodgson defended Euclid against other more modern texts. There is then a discussion of the ‘parallel postulate’ of Euclid, and a mention of other geometrical interests that Dodgson had.