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

Author: Wu Wenjun
Publisher:
Publish Date: 1998-09-01
Features: In 1984, four experts on the history of Chinese mathematics proposed to compile a monumental work that comprehensively discusses the historical development of traditional Chinese mathematics, titled The Great Series of the History of Chinese Mathematics. These four professors (in order of age) are: Professor Bai Shangshu of Beijing Normal University; Professor Shen Kangshen 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 a major force in the global development of mathematics for a long period. However, since the Ming Dynasty, due to various political and social reasons—particularly as pointed out by Xu Guangqi at the end of the Ming Dynasty—one side saw "scholars who indulge in abstract theories and ignore the practical realities of the world," while the other side witnessed "superstitious practices that falsely claim numbers have mystical properties." As a result, traditional Chinese mathematics was on the verge of extinction and was later completely overshadowed and dominated by Western Euclidean traditions. Although there was a brief resurgence during the Kangxi and Qianlong reigns, it was limited to the rediscovery and interpretation of ancient texts. By the mid-20th century, Li Yan and Qian Baocong wrote specialized works on the history of Chinese mathematics to introduce it to the world, ensuring that ancient Chinese mathematics continued to survive. The Great Work is a chronological history, covering from ancient times to the late Qing Dynasty, divided into eight volumes, each serving as a separate period history. In addition to reconstructing the forms of ancient algorithms and comparing them with modern methods, it will include the latest research findings of various scholars to thoroughly review and study the development and achievements of ancient Chinese mathematics. This aims to promote its accomplishments, summarize its laws, anticipate future trends, and serve the modernization construction of our country.