Preface -- 1. Introduction -- 2. Central Collineations -- 3. The Geometry of Euclid's Elements -- 4. Conics in Greek Geometry -- 5. Conic Sections in Early Modern Europe -- 6. Conic Sections in Early Modern Europe -- 7. Central Collineations -- 8. Nineteenth Century -- 9. Foci -- 10. Steiner. 11. Desargues and Involution -- 12. Looking Ahead -- 13. Matrices and Homogeneous Coordinates -- 14. Some Applications of Conics in History -- 15. Vertical Stretch and Isaac Newton's Conics -- 16. Three Appendices -- Bibliography.

This volume combines an introduction to central collineations with an introduction to projective geometry, set in its historical context and aiming to provide the reader with a general history through the middle of the nineteenth century. Topics covered include but are not limited to: The Projective Plane and Central Collineations The Geometry of Euclid's Elements Conic Sections in Early Modern Europe Applications of Conics in History With rare exception, the only prior knowledge required is a background in high school geometry. As a proof-based treatment, this monograph will be of interest to those who enjoy logical thinking, and could also be used in a geometry course that emphasizes projective geometry.