Two of the oldest and most fundamental sciences, mathematics and physics, are essential to human civilization. Despite their close connections, historical evidence clearly indicates that mathematics was created by humans long before physics was systematically investigated. This article explores the rationale behind this order, the development of disciplines across time, and instances that show this development.

The Origins of Mathematics: A Practical Necessity:

The necessity to solve the problems that early human societies faced on a daily basis gave rise to mathematics. Agriculture, trade, social order, and survival were the main motivators. Long before early people began to systematically examine natural phenomena, they needed techniques to measure, count, and keep track of amounts.

1. Counting and Numerical Systems
   Counting was the earliest human-developed mathematical notion. Artifacts such as the Ishango bone, which was found in Africa and dated to around 20,000 years ago, provide evidence of this. Many people think that the notches on this bone are tally marks, which might be used for recording or calculating moon cycles (de Heinzelin, 1962).
2. Geometry for Agriculture and Architecture
   Geometry became crucial when people evolved into agricultural cultures. It was necessary to comprehend fundamental shapes, areas, and proportions in order to measure land, partition plots, and build shelters. For example, following the yearly flooding of the Nile River, the ancient Egyptians devised useful geometric methods for surveying and allocating farmland (Clagett, 1999).
3. The Advent of Written Numbers
   Approximately 3000 BCE, mathematical systems were codified by civilizations such as the Babylonians and Sumerians. They created place-value systems and applied mathematics to administrative duties like keeping track of trade records and taxes. Centuries before any formal grasp of physical laws, advanced computations such as quadratic equations and early trigonometry are revealed in Babylonian clay tablets (Robson, 2008).

The Delayed Emergence of Physics:

The study of nature and its fundamental laws, or physics, came into being considerably later in human history. Natural phenomena including the movements of celestial bodies, weather patterns, and item behavior were noted and documented by early societies, but these discoveries were frequently explained by mythology or religion rather than by scientific investigation.

1. Philosophical Beginnings
   In ancient Greece, physics started out as a philosophical pursuit. Though their theories lacked empirical and mathematical accuracy, thinkers like as Aristotle (384–322 BCE) conjectured about the nature of motion, matter, and the universe. Aristotle, for instance, held that heavier items fell more quickly than lighter ones; Galileo Galilei's experiments in the 16th century would confirm this (Drake, 1978).
2. The Role of Mathematics in Physics
   It wasn't until mathematics was used to explain natural events that physics was systematically studied. For instance, Archimedes (287–212 BCE) explained ideas like buoyancy and levers using geometric principles (Heath, 1897). However, physics did not become a mathematical discipline until the scientific revolution, which was spearheaded by individuals such as Galileo and Isaac Newton. Two of the best instances of mathematics allowing the formalization of physical theories are Newton's laws of motion and universal gravitation, which were presented in Principia Mathematica (1687) (Cohen, 1999).

Examples Illustrating the Primacy of Mathematics:

1. Calendars and Astronomy
   Based on their mathematical observations of cosmic patterns, ancient societies such as the Maya, Egyptians, and Babylonians created complex calendars. This came before a thorough comprehension of the physical factors, such gravity, that control planetary motion (Neugebauer, 1975).
2. Construction and Engineering
   Accurate estimates of angles, weights, and measurements were necessary for the construction of the pyramids in Egypt (c. 2600 BCE). Instead of a grasp of physics concepts like statics or dynamics, these accomplishments were grounded in mathematics (Lehner, 1997).
3. Trade and Commerce
   In ancient Mesopotamia (~3000 BCE), the usage of standardized weights, measures, and currencies demonstrates the dependence on basic mathematics and arithmetic. For trade-related construction, physics fundamentals such as the mechanics of levers and pulleys were not yet properly known (Oates, 1976).

Why Did Mathematics Come First?

The sequence of development can be attributed to the following factors:

1. Accessibility and Simplicity
   Abstract ideas that can be observed and worked with without the use of instruments or experiments include numbers, forms, and patterns. Contrarily, physics frequently necessitates investigation, empirical observation, and sophisticated equipment in order to reveal its fundamentals.
2. Immediate Utility
   For survival activities like measuring crops, constructing shelters, and engaging in commerce, early cultures required mathematical skills. Even though it was important, physics did not immediately affect everyday life in its early years.
3. Philosophical Barriers
   It was necessary for physics to move away from mythical interpretations of nature and toward methodical scientific investigation. The pre-existing mathematical framework was crucial to this millennium-long transformation.

Conclusion:

It is evident from history that mathematics was created by humans much earlier than physics. Early societies were compelled to utilize mathematics to organize their environment and find solutions to real-world issues. Humanity only started to methodically investigate and comprehend the natural rules guiding the cosmos after centuries of mathematical progress. Though their histories serve as a reminder of the slow and dynamic nature of human understanding, mathematics and physics are now interwoven.

References:

1. Clagett, M. (1999). Ancient Egyptian Science: A Source Book. American Philosophical Society.
2. Cohen, I. B. (1999). The Principia: Mathematical Principles of Natural Philosophy. University of California Press.
3. Drake, S. (1978). Galileo at Work: His Scientific Biography. University of Chicago Press.
4. Heath, T. L. (1897). The Works of Archimedes. Cambridge University Press.
5. Lehner, M. (1997). The Complete Pyramids. Thames & Hudson.
6. Neugebauer, O. (1975). A History of Ancient Mathematical Astronomy. Springer-Verlag.
7. Oates, J. (1976). Babylon. Thames & Hudson.
8. Robson, E. (2008). Mathematics in Ancient Iraq: A Social History. Princeton University Press.