Great Compendium of the History of Mathematics in China - Volume 3: Eastern Han and the Three Kingdoms

Author: Wu Wenjun
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 1998-09-01
Features: In 1984, four experts on the history of Chinese mathematics proposed to compile a comprehensive and monumental work on the historical development of traditional Chinese mathematics, titled The Great Series of the History of Chinese Mathematics. These four professors (listed in order of seniority) are: Professor Bai Shangshu of Beijing Normal University; Professor Shen of Hangzhou University; Professor Li Di of Inner Mongolia Normal University; and Professor Li Jimin of Northwest University. Traditional Chinese mathematics has a long and profound history, with its own unique philosophical system and developmental path. From ancient times to the Song and Yuan dynasties, it was for a long time the mainstream of world mathematical development. However, since the Ming Dynasty, due to various political and social reasons—especially as pointed out by Xu Guangqi at the end of the Ming Dynasty—that on one hand, "scholars of names and principles neglected the practical affairs of the world," and on the other hand, "fantastical practices falsely claimed that numbers had divine logic"—traditional Chinese mathematics was on the verge of extinction. Later, it was completely replaced and dominated by Western Euclidean traditions. Although there was a period of emphasis during the Kangxi and Qianlong reigns, it was merely limited to the discovery and interpretation of ancient texts. By the mid-20th century, scholars like Li Yan and Qian Baocong wrote specialized works on the history of Chinese mathematics to introduce its ancient calculations, ensuring its continuity. The Great Work is a chronological history, spanning from ancient times to the late Qing Dynasty, divided into eight volumes, each forming a separate historical period. In addition to restoring the forms of ancient algorithms and comparing them with modern algorithms, it will include the latest research findings from various scholars, aiming to conduct a thorough review and study of the development and glorious achievements of ancient Chinese mathematics. This is intended to promote its accomplishments, summarize its laws, predict the future, and serve the modernization construction of our country.