Abstract

E. Roy Weintraub’s How Economics Became a Mathematical Science (2002) presents a original, distinctive, and provocative perspective on the evolution of mathematical economics from the late nineteenth century to the late twentieth century. Its originality and distinctiveness and provocativeness extends as well to its view of the relationship between mathematics and economics. He reveals many little known facts and punctures many fallacious, if widespread ideas. At the same time, he ultimately leaves us hanging on certain crucial points with an ambivalence that is never resolved. However, he is careful not to claim too much for his work: it is not the definitive history of mathematical economics nor does it claim to provide ultimate answers.