Catalan - Chinese - English

Primary sources are Mikami's The Development of Mathematics in China and Japan and Li Yan and Du Shiran's Chinese Mathematics, a Concise History. See the bibliography below.

1. Numerical notation, arithmetical computations, counting rods.

a) Traditional decimal notation -one symbol for each of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 100, 1000, and 10000. Ex. 2034 would be written with symbols for 2,1000,3,10,4, meaning 2 times 1000 plus 3 times 10 plus 4. Goes back to origins of Chinese writing.

b) Calculations performed using small bamboo counting rods. The positions of the rods gave a decimal place-value system, also written for long-term records. 0 digit was a space. Arranged left to right like Arabic numerals. Back to 400 B.C.E. or earlier.

c) Addition: the counting rods for the two numbers placed down, one number above the other. The digits added (merged) left to right with carries where needed. Subtraction similar.

d) Multiplication: multiplication table to 9 times 9 memorized. Long multiplication similar to ours with advantages due to physical rods. Long division analogous to current algorithms, but closer to "galley method."

2. Zhoubi suanjing,
The Arithmetical Classic of the Gnomon and the Circular Paths of Heaven) (c. 100 B.C.E.-c. 100 C.E.). Describes one of the theories of the heavens. Early Han dynasty (206 B.C.E -220 C.E.) or earlier. Book burning of 213 B.C.E. States and uses the Pythagorean theorem for surveying, astronomy, etc. Proof of the Pythagorean theorem.Calculations including with common fractions.

3. Jiuzhang Suanshu,
The Nine Chapters on the Mathematical Art (c. 100 B.C.E.-50 C.E.)
Collects mathematics to beginning of Han dynasty. 246 problems in 9 chapters. Longest surviving and most influential Chinese math book. Many commentaries.

Ch 1, Field measurement: systematic discussion of algorithms using counting rods for common fractions including alg. for GCD, LCM; areas of plane figures, square, rectangle, triangle, trapezoid, circle, circle segment, sphere segment, annulus -- some accurate, some approximations.
Ch 2,3,6 on proportions, Cereals, Proportional distribution, Fair taxes.
Ch 4, What width?: given area or volume find sides. Describes usual algorithms for square and cube roots but takes advantage of computations with counting rods
Ch 5, Construction consultations: volumes of cube, rectangular parallelepiped, prism frustums, pyramid, triangular pyramid, tetrahedron, cylinder, cone, and conic frustum, sphere -some approximations, some use pi=3
Ch 7, Excess and deficients: false position and double false position
Ch 8, Rectangular arrays: Gives elimination algorithm for solving systems of three or more simultaneous linear equations. Involves use of negative numbers (red reds for pos numbers, black for neg numbers). Rules for signed numbers.
Ch 9, Right triangles: applications of Pythagorean theorem and similar triangles, solves quadratic equations with modification of square root algorithm, only equations of the form x^2 + a x = b, with a and b positive.

4. Sun Zi (c. 250? C.E.)
Wrote his mathematical manual. Includes "Chinese remainder problem" or "problem of the Master Sun": find n so that upon division by 3 you get a remainder of 2, upon division by 5 you get a remainder of 3, and upon division by 7 you get a remainder of 2. His solution: Take 140, 63, 30, add to get 233, subtract 210 to get 23.

5. Liu Hui (c. 263 C.E.)
Commentary on the Nine Chapters
Approximates pi by approximating circles polygons, doubling the number of sides to get better approximations. From 96 and 192 sided polygons, he approximates pi as 3.141014 and suggested 3.14 as a practical approx.
States principle of exhaustion for circles
Suggests Calvalieri's principle to find accurate volume of cylinder
Haidao suanjing (Sea Island Mathematical Manual). Originally appendix to commentary on Ch 9 of the Nine Chapters. Includes nine surveying problems involving indirect observations.

6. Zhang Qiujian (c. 450?)
Wrote his mathematical manual. Includes formula for summing an arithmetic sequence. Also an undetermined system of two linear equations in three unknowns, the "hundred fowls problem"

7. Zu Chongzhi (429-500) Astronomer, mathematician, engineer.
Collected together earlier astronomical writings. Made own astronomical observations. Recommended new calendar.
Determined pi to 7 digits: 3.1415926. Recommended use 355/113 for close approx. and 22/7 for rough approx.
With father carried out Liu Hui's suggestion for volume of sphere to get accurate formula for volume of a sphere.

8. Liu Zhuo (544-610) Astronomer
Introduced quadratic interpolation (second order difference method).

9. Wang Xiaotong (fl. 625) Mathematician and astronomer.
Wrote Xugu suanjing (Continuation of Ancient Mathematics) of 22 problems. Solved cubic equations by generalization of algorithm for cube root.

10. Translations of Indian mathematical works.
By 600 C.E., 3 works, since lost. Levensita, Indian astronomer working at State Observatory, translated two more texts, one of which described angle measurement (360 degrees) and a table of sines for angles from 0 to 90 degrees in 24 steps (3 3/4 degree) increments.
Hindu decimal numerals also introduced, but not adopted.

11. Yi Xing (683-727) tangent table.

12. Jia Xian (c. 1050)
Written work lost. Streamlined extraction of square and cube roots, extended method to higher-degree roots using binomial coefficients.

13. Qin Jiushao (c. 1202 - c. 1261)
Shiushu jiuzhang, Mathemtaical Treatise in Nine Sections, 81 problems of applied math similar to the Nine Chapters. Solution of some higher-degree (up to 10th) equations. Systematic treatment of indeterminate simultaneous linear congruences (Chinese remainder theorem). Euclidean algorithm for GCD.

14. Li Chih (a.k.a. Li Yeh) (1192-1279)
Ceyuan haijing, Sea Mirror of Circle Measurements, 12 chapters, 170 problems on right triangles and circles inscribed within or circumscribed about them. Yigu yanduan, New Steps in Computation, geometric problems solved by algebra.

15. Yang Hui (fl. c. 1261-1275)
Wrote sevral books. Explains Jiu Xian's methods for solving higher-degree root extractions. Magic squares of order up through 10.

16. Guo Shoujing (1231-1316).
Shou shi li, Works and Days Calendar. Higher-order differences (i.e., higher-order interpolation).

17. Zhu Shijie (fl. 1280-1303)
Suan xue qi meng, Introduction to Mathematical Studies, and Siyuan yujian, Precious Mirror of the Four Elements. Solves some higher degree polynomial equations in several unknowns. Sums some finite series including (1) the sum of n^2 and (2) the sum of n(n+1)(n+2)/6. Discusses binomial coefficients. Uses zero digit.

(Rest of outline yet to write.)

Chronology of Mathematicians and Mathematical Works

Early traditional texts
These developed in a gradual accumulation of material over centuries. The dates given are roughly when they reached their final form.

Suan shu shu, A Book on Arithmetic (c. 180 B.C.E.). A book of bamboo strips found in 1984 near Jiangling in Hubei province.

Zhoubi suanjing, The Arithmetical Classic of the Gnomon and the Circular Paths of Heaven (c. 100 B.C.E.-c. 100 C.E.)

Jiuzhang suanshu, Nine Chapters of the Mathematical Art (c. 100 B.C.E.-50 C.E.)

The development of mathematics

Zhang Heng (78-139)
Ling xian (Spiritual Constitution of the Universe)

Liu Hong (fl. 178-187)
o Qian xiang li (Calendrical Science Based on the Celestial Appearances) (178-187)

Wang Fan (217-257)

Sun Zi (c. 250?)
o Sunzi suanjing (Master Sun's Mathematical Manual)

Zhao Shuang (Jun Qing) (c. 260)
o Zhoubi suanjing zhu (Commentary on the `Zhoubi Suanjing')

Liu Hui (c. 263)
o Jiushang suanshu zhu (Commentary on the `Nine Chapters of the Mathematical Art')
o Haidao suanjing (Sea Island Mathematical Manual)

Xiahou Yang (c. 350?)
o Xiahou Yang suanjing (Xiahou Yang's Mathematical Manual)

Zhang Qiujian (c. 450?)
o Zhang Qiujian suanjing (Zhang Qiujian's Mathematical Manual)

Zu Chongzhi (Wenyuan) (429-500)
o Da ming li (Da Ming Calendar) (462)
o Zhui shu (Method of Interpolation)
o Jiuzhang shu yi zhu (Commentary on the Methods and Essence of the `Nine Chapters')
o Chong cha zhu (Commentary on Double Differences)

Zu Geng
o Zhui shu (Method of Interpolation)

Zhen Luan (Shuzun) (fl. 566)
o Tian he li (Tian He Calendar) (462)
o Wucao suanjing (Mathematical Manual of the Five Government Departments)
o Wujing suanshu (Arithmetic in Five Classics)
o Shushu juji (Memoir on some Traditions of Mathematical Art)

Liu Zhuo (544-610)
o Huang ji li (Imperial Standard Calendar) (600)

Wang Xiaotong (fl. 625)
o Xugu suanjing (Continuation of Ancient Mathematics)

Li Chunfeng (fl. 664)
o Edited the Shibu suanjing (Ten Books of Mathematical Classics) .
This collection included the Jiuzhang suanshu (Nine Chapters of the Mathematical Art), Haidao suanjing (Sea Island Mathematical Manual), Sunzi suanjing (Master Sun's Mathematical Manual), Wucao suanjing (Mathematical Manual of the Five Government Departments), Wujing suanshu (Arithmetic in Five Classics), Zhang Qiujian suanjing (Zhang Qiujian's Mathematical Manual), Xiahou Yang suanjing (Xiahou Yang's Mathematical Manual), Zhui shu (Method of Interpolation), and Xugu suanjing (Continuation of Ancient Mathematics).

Yi Xing (683-727)
o Da yan li (Da Yan Calendar) (727)

Levensita (fl. 718)
o Jiu zhi li (Catching Nines Calendar) (718) translated from an Indian work
Three century interlude
followed by
The zenith of mathematical development

Jia Xian (c. 1050)
o Jia Xian suanjing (Jia Xian's Mathematical Manual)

Shen Kuo (1031-1095)
o Meng qu bi tan (Dream Pool Essays)

Li Zhi (Li Ye) (Jingzhai) (1192-1279)
o Ceyuan haijing (Sea Mirror of Circle Measurements) (1248)
o Yigu yanduan (New Steps in Computation) (1259)

Liu Yi (fl. c. 1225)
o Yigu genyuan (Discussion of the Old Sources)

Qin Jiushao (Daogu) (c. 1202-c. 1261)
o Shiushu jiuzhang (Mathemtaical Treatise in Nine Sections) (1247)

Guo Shoujing (1231-1316)

Yang Hui (Qianguang) (fl. 1261-1275)
o Xiangjie jiuzhang suanfa (A Detailed Analysis of the Mathematical Methods in the `Nine Chapters') (1261)
o Riyong suan fa (Computing Methods for Daily Use) (1262)
o Yang Hui suan fa (Yang Hui's Methods of Computation) (1274)
o Fasuan qu yong ben mo (Alpha and Omega of a Selection on the Applications of Arithmetical Methods (1274)
o Xugu zhaiqi suan fa (Continuation of Ancient Mathematical Methods for Elucidating the Strange [Properties of Numbers]) (1275)
o Jiuzhang suan fa zuan lei (Reclassification of the Mathematical Methods in the `Nine Chapters')
o Tian mu bi lei cheng chu jie fa (Practical Rules of Arithmetic for Surveying) (1275)
o Cheng chu tong bian suan bao (Precious Reckoner for Variations of Multiplication and Division)

Wang Xun (1235-1281)

Shou shi li (Works and Days Calendar), Guo Shoujing, Wang Xun, and others. (1280).

Zhu Shijie (Hanqing, Songting) (fl. 1280-1303)
o Suan xue qi meng (Introduction to Mathematical Studies) (1299) There is a Japanese edition of 1658.
o Siyuan yujian (Precious Mirror of the Four Elements) (1303)

The decline of mathematics

Sha keshi (fl. 1321)
o He fang tong yi (On the Prevention of River Flooding) (1321)

Ding Ju (fl. 1355)
o Ding ju suan fa (Ding Ju's Arithmetical Methods) (1355)

He Pingzi (fl. 1373)
o Xiangming suan fa (Explanations of Arithmetic) (1373)

Liu Shilong (fl. 1424)
o Jiu zhang tong ming suanfa (Methods of Calculation in the `Nine Chapters') (1424)

Wu Jing (fl. 1450)
o Jiu zhang suan fa bi lei da quan (Complete Description of the `Nine Chapters' on Arithmetical Techniques) (1450)

Wang Wensu (fl. 1524)
o Suan xue baojian (Precious Mirror of Mathematics) (1524)

Xu Xinlu
o Pan zhu suan fa (Method of Calculating on an Abacus) (1573)

Ke Sangquin (fl. 1578)
o Shu xue tong gui (Rules of mathematics) (1578)

Matteo Ricci (1552-1610)

Niccolo Longobardi (1559-1654)

Xu Guangqi (Zixian, Xuanhu) (1562-1633)

Li Zhizao (Zhenzhi) (1565-1630)
Introduction of Western Mathematics

Cheng Dawei (Rusi, Binqu)(fl. 1592)
o Suan fa tong zong (Systematic Treatise on Arithmetic) (1592) Reprinted in Japan in 1675.
o Zhi zhi uan fa tong zong (Postscript to the Systematic Treatise on Arithmetic) (1592)
o Suan fa zuan yao (Highlights of Calculation Methods (1598)

Huang Longyi (fl. 1604)
o Suan fa ji nan (Directory of Calculation Methods) (1604)

Johann Terrenz Schreck (1576-1630)
o Da ce (Complete Surveying)
o Ge tu ba xian biao (Tables of Trigonometric Functions) (1631)
o Ce tian yue shuo (Brief Description of the Measurement of the Heavens)

Li Tianjing (1579-1659)
o Translation of Euclid's Elements, first six books, Matteo Ricci and Xu Guangqi (1607)

Giulio Aleni (1582-1649)
o Ji he yao fa (Essentials of Geometry)

Johann Adam Schall von Bell (1591-1666)

Giacomo Rho (1593-1638)
o Chou suan (Napier's Bones) (1628)
o Ce liang quan yi (Complete Theory of Surveying) (1631)
o Bi li gui jie (Manual for proportional dividers) (1631)

Tong wen suan zhi (Treatise on European Arithmetic) an edited translation of Clavius's Epitome of Practical Arithmetic, Matteo Ricci and Li Zhizao (1631)

Chong zhen li shu (Chong Zhen Reign Treatise on Astronomy and Calendrical Science). (1631-1634).
A collection of 137 books in five submissions edited by Xu Guanqi and Li Tianjing with support of many others. It included Aleni's Ji he yao fa (Essentials of Geometry); Terrenz's Da ce (Complete Surveying), Ge tu ba xian biao (Tables of Trigonometric Functions), and Ce tian yue shuo (Brief Description of the Measurement of the Heavens); and Rho's Ce liang quan yi (Complete Theory of Surveying), Bi li gui jie (Manual for proportional dividers), and Chou suan (Napier's Bones).

Jean Nicolas Smogulecki (1611-1656)

Xi yang xin fa li shu (Treatise on Astronomy and Calendrical Science According to the New Western Methods).
A collection of 100 books in 17 volumes emended by Schall von Bell from the Chong zhen li shu (Chong Zhen Reign Treatise on Astronomy and Calendrical Science) (1645)

Xue Fengzuo (d. 1680)

Fang Zhongtong (1633-1698)

Li xue hui tong (Understanding Calendar Making) (1652-1654)
A collection of books published by Smogulecki and Xue Fengzuo. Included are
o Bi li si xian xin biao (New Tables for Four Logarithmic Trigonometric Functions)
o Bi li dui shu biao (Logarithm Tables with Explanations)
o San jiaofa (Essentials of Trigonometry) (1653)

Tian bu zhen yuan (True Course of Celestial Motions) (1653)
A collection of books written by Smogulecki and Xue Fengzuo. Includes
o San jiao suan fa (Method of Trigonometrical Calculations)

Mei Wending (Dingjiu, Wu'an) (1633-1721)
o See Mei Juecheng, Mei shi congshu jiyao (Collected Works of the Mei Family) for publication of Mei Wending's written comments on mathematics

Shu li jing yun (Collected Basic Principles of Mathematics) (1723).
Supervised by Emperor Kang Xi (Aixinjueluo) (1654-1722), edited by Mei Juecheng, Chen Houyao, He Guozong, Ming Antu, Mei Wending, and others.

Mei Juecheng
o In 1761, Mei Juecheng complied Mei Wending's written commentaries into the Mei shi congshu jiyao (Collected Works of the Mei Family). It included several works on mathematics: Bisuan (Pen Calculations), Chou suan (Napier's bones), Du suan shi li (Proportional Dividers), Shao guang shi yi (Supplement to `What Width'), Fang cheng lun (Theory of Rectangular Arrays), Gougu ju yu (Right-angled Triangles), Jihe tong jie (Explanations in Geometry), Ping san jiao ju yao (Elements of Plane Trigonometry), Fang yuan mi ji (Squares and Circles, Cubes and Spheres), Jihe bu bian (Supplement to Geometry), Hu san jiao ju yao (Elements of Spherical Trigonometry), Huan zhong shu chi (Geodesy), and Qiandu celiang (Surveying Solids).
Mathematics under the "Closed Door" Policy

Chen Shiren (1676-1722)
o Shao guang bu yi (Supplement to `What Width')

Ming Antu (d. 1765)
o Suanjing shishu (Ten Mathematical Manuals) (1773)
o Ge yuan mi lu jie fa (Quick Method for Determining Close Ratios in Circle Division) (1774)

Jiao Xun (1763-1820)
o Da yan qiu yi shu (Technique for Finding 1 by the Great Extension)

Ruan Yuan (1764-1849)

Wang Lai (Xiaoying, Hengzhai) (1768-1813)
o Hengzhai suanxue (Hengzhai's Mathematics)
o Hengahai yi shu (Unpublished Works of Hengzhai) (1834, edited by Xia Xie)

Chou ren zhuan (Biographies of Mathematicians and Astronomers) (1795-1799). Edited by Ruan Yuan.

Li Huang (d. 1811)
o Jiuzhang suanshu xi cao tu shuo (Careful Explanation of the `Nine Chapters on the Mathematical Art')
o Haidao suanjing xi cao tu shuo (Careful Explanation of the `Sea Island Mathematical Manual')
o Xu gu suanjing kao zhu (Commentary on the `Continuation of Ancient Mathematical Methods for Elucidating the Strange [Properties of Numbers]')

Li Rui (Shangzhi, Sixiang) (1773-1817)
o Li shi suan xue yi shu (Collected Mathematical Works of Li Rui)

Luo Tengfeng
o Yi you lu (Records of the Art of Learning) (1815)

Xiang Mingda (1789-1850)
o Xiang shu yi yuan (The Source of Series) (1888, edited by Dai Xu)

Luo Shilin (1789-1853)
o Siyuan yujian xicao (Commentary on the `Precious Mirror of the Four Elements') (1836)

Dong Youcheng (Fangli) (1791-1823)
o Ge yuan mi lu tu jie (Explanation for the `Determination of Close Ratios in Circle Division')

Gu Guanjuang (1799-1862)
o Zhoubi suanjing xiao kan ji (A Textual Criticism of the `Zhoubi Suanjing')

Shen Qinpei (fl. 1829)
o Siyuan yujian xicao (Commentary on the `Precious Mirror of the Four Elements') (1829)

Zhang Dunren (fl. 1831)
o Qiu yi suan shu (Techniques of Finding 1) (1831)

Dai Xu (1805-1860)
o Dai shu jian fa (Concise Technique of Logarithms) (1846)
International Mathematics in China

Li Shanlan (Renshu, Qiuren) (1811-1882)
o Duo ji bi lei (Sums of Piles of Various Types)
o Fang yuan chan you (Explanation of the Square and the Circle)
o Hu shi qi mi (Unveiling the Secrets of Arc and Sagitta)
o Dui shu tan yuan (Seeking the Source of Logarithms)
o Several translations of Western mathematics (1852-1866)

Hua Hengfan (Ruo Ting) (1833-1902)
o Xingsu xuan suan (Mathematical Papers form the Xing Su Study)
o Several translations of Western mathematics (1868-1886)

Shi Richun
o Qiu yi shu zhi (Path to the Technique of Finding 1) (1873)

Huang Zongxian
o Qiu yi shu tong jie (Explanation of the Technique of Finding 1) (1873)

SELECTED REFERENCES

BIBLIOGRAPHY

David E. Joyce
Department of Mathematics and Computer Science
Clark University

NOTES

The Chinese Mathematical Society

Although we have given the date 1935 for the founding of the Chinese Mathematical Society, there would be a case for giving 1929. The reason is that the Chinese Society for Mathematical Sciences was founded in 1929 and carried out the same functions as the Chinese Mathematical Society until 1936. The foundation of the Chinese Mathematical Society in July 1935 led to the closure of the Chinese Society for Mathematical Sciences in the following year.

The first President of the Society was Hu T-F who appointed on the foundation of the Society in 1935. He held the presidency until 1948, seeing the Society through a very difficult period. At first the Society prospered and in 1936 it began publication of two journals, one a research publication, the other a low level popular one. However political events led to great difficulties. In July 1937 a Japanese invasion led to Chinese defeats and by the end of the year Japan had taken both Shanghai and Nanking. By 1938 the country was divided between the part controlled by Japan and the remaining Free China which refused to submit. The Chinese Mathematical Society was no longer able to operate and although in some sense it continued to exist, from 1938 to 1945 it could not function.

Japan surrendered in 1945 but China's problems did not end for the country suffered a civil war for four years between Nationalists and Communists. Attempts were made to refound the Chinese Mathematical Society and in 1948 it began again to function in support of mathematics throughout China. Hu T-F, the first President ended his term of office in 1948. The Communist victory led to the creation of the People's Republic of China on 1 October 1949. The Chinese Mathematical Society rapidly expanded under the next President Hua Loo-Keng who was appointed in 1951 and served until 1983. It is now:-

... a professional society comprising thousands of members and publishes about ten mathematical journals and several book series.

Picture of Zhou Pei Suan Jing. This book dates from the period of the Zhou Dynasty (1046 BCE—700 BCE). It is an anonymous collection of 246 problems encountered by the Duke of Zhou and his astrologer Shang Gao.

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