Definition:Evolute/Historical Note
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Historical Note on Evolute
The concept of the evolute of a curve in the plane was first introduced by Apollonius of Perga in his Conics.
However, the first detailed study of the evolute was undertaken by Christiaan Huygens during his analysis of the cycloid in his $1673$ treatise Horologium Oscillatorium sive de Motu Pendularium.
Some sources fail to register Apollonius's interest.
Sources
- 1992: George F. Simmons: Calculus Gems ... (previous) ... (next): Chapter $\text {A}.17$: Huygens ($\text {1629}$ – $\text {1695}$)