| In this thesis, we will restrict our attention to the history of four of the most important general purpose Computer Algebra Systems (CASs): Macsyma, Derive, Mathematica, and Maple. These CASs have revolutionized the working day for students, educators, scientists, engineers, and others. The history will be arranged by software packages. The topics, which will be discussed, include: how this software concept started; how it improved and eventually succeeded; how scientists, mathematicians, and other significant contributors were involved; how its method of expression has changed from one decade to another; and how this software has evolved to become a necessity now for a much broader group of users. We hope readers apply these data to the accomplishment of a deeper understanding of mathematics and a better appreciation of the use of CASs. |
