Ptolemy had shewn not only that geometry could be applied to astronomy, but had indicated how new methods of analysis like trigonometry might be thence developed. He found however no successors to take up the work he had commenced so brilliantly, and we must look forward 150 years before we find another geometrician of any eminence. That geometrician was Pappus... We know that he had numerous pupils, and it is probable that he temporarily revived an interest in the study of geometry.
''a short account of the history of mathematics'' (1908)