Mathematics and Rheology

Summary The great advances made in Rheology during the last forty years owe much to the application of mathematics. But in some cases, there have been misunderstandings. As a result, rheologists have sometimes been unnecessarily restricted. Mathematics is limited only by self-consistency: Rheology deals with the physical world.In particular, three terms are discussed: infinity, zero and negative, all of which have at least two meanings which have been confused. Rheological phenomena cannot be explained merely by mathematical formulation. Unnecessary mathematics should be avoided but professional rheologists must not shirk mathematics.This paper was read in an abbreviated form, at aConference of the British Society of Rheology in April 1971 The Proceedings were not published.