ABSTRACT
The objective of this investigation has been to demonstrate how mathematical texts may be read as texts and to examine some of the strategies of argumentation that become visible on such readings. In pursuing this objective I have not made use of the ideas and methods developed by practitioners of modern hermeneutics although it would not be difficult to point out certain commonalities of interest and outcome. 1 The introduction of grand theory into the investigation at this time would merely distract attention from what should be the (rightful) centre of attention, the mathematical texts themselves.
