Ancient Mathematics with a Unique Style (Part 2)

Name: Ancient Mathematics with a Unique Style (Part 2)
ISBN: 9787545100679

林之满 / Xiao FengLiaohai Publishing House · ChinaOct 2020

3.0

Word count: 40K words
Chapters: 22
ISBN: 9787545100679

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Summary

This series organically and harmoniously combines traditional education with a vision for the future, guiding contemporary Chinese readers to align with the modern trend of the world's development as the time-honored Chinese civilization becomes integrated into it.

Editor's review

Distinctive Ancient Mathematics (Volume II) is a continuation and deepening of Mr. Lin Zhiman's research on the history of ancient Chinese mathematics. Focusing on mathematical achievements from the Song and Yuan dynasties through the Ming and Qing, the book systematically surveys the key figures, major works, and theoretical breakthroughs of this period. Compared with Volume I, Volume II places greater emphasis on the remarkable development of ancient Chinese mathematics in the areas of algorithms, algebra, and practical applications—such as the emergence of abstract algebraic ideas like Jia Xian's triangle, the method of the celestial unknown (tianyuan shu), and the method of the four unknowns (siyuan shu)—as well as the superb computational techniques and problem-solving capabilities embodied in works such as Mathematical Treatise in Nine Sections (Shushu Jiuzhang) and Systematic Treatise on Arithmetic (Suanfa Tongzong). With solid historiographical grounding and clear narrative logic, the author situates complex mathematical concepts within their specific historical and cultural contexts, revealing not only mathematical knowledge itself but also the modes of thought and social forces behind it. Reading this book provides not only systematic knowledge of the later development of ancient Chinese mathematics but also a deep appreciation of the charm and value of a mathematical tradition centered on problem solving and algorithmic construction, fundamentally different from the Western axiomatic system. For understanding the unique contributions of Chinese civilization in abstract thought and logical reasoning, this book offers an indispensable perspective.

Who it's for

A good fit for

History enthusiasts interested in the history of science and technology and the history of mathematics in ancient China
Mathematics learners or teachers seeking to broaden their cultural horizons of mathematics and understand its diversity
Cultural comparison researchers interested in exploring the differences between Eastern and Western modes of thought
General readers seeking high-quality popular science writing and curious about ancient wisdom

Not a good fit for

Readers expecting modern mathematical problem-solving techniques or exam-oriented guidance
Readers interested only in the earliest mathematical beginnings of high antiquity or the pre-Qin period and not in the development of the Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties

Reading tips

It is recommended to read this volume together with Volume I to gain a complete picture of ancient Chinese mathematics from its origins to its peak.
While reading, consult the original textual excerpts mentioned in the book (such as the preface to Jade Mirror of the Four Unknowns, Siyuan Yujian) for further exploration and deeper understanding.
For the specialized algorithms or terms involved, there is no need to fully master their modern mathematical equivalents all at once; focus first on understanding their historical background and intellectual essence.

About the publisher

Liaohai Publishing House China · Founded in 1996

Liaohai Publishing House is a comprehensive publisher known for textbooks and the collation of ancient works. Its publishing scope covers state-approved textbooks, local curriculum materials, supplementary educational books, and national and local ancient-text compilation projects, while also extending into humanities fields such as Eastern philosophy. Its catalog contains about 4,694 titles, with representative works including the multi-volume Records of the Grand Historian (Shiji), and its author resources include classic writers and works such as Sima Qian and Confucius. Grounded in educational publishing and the transmission of traditional culture, the press maintains sustained investment in ancient-text collation, forming a publishing profile that balances textbooks and scholarship. Due to limited public information, its more specific publishing directions and features require further supplementation.

版权信息
《话说中国》丛书编委会
编写说明
三、数学理论的发展
宋元数学
高次方程数值解法
高阶等差数列
同余式理论
四、传统数学的沉寂与复苏
传统数学的沉寂
珠算等实用数学的发展
西方数学的传入
梅文鼎
年希尧与明安图
传统数学的理论和研究
五、近代数学的确立
西方数学著作的再翻译
李善兰
华蘅芳与夏鸾翔
不定分析
近代数学教育
附：中国古代数学史大事年表

FAQ

Does this book require a strong mathematical foundation to understand?

No. The author explains ancient mathematical concepts in accessible language, emphasizing thought and cultural interpretation rather than modern mathematical derivation. A high school level of mathematics or above is sufficient to understand the main content.

What distinguishes this book from similar works on the history of Chinese mathematics?

The book's distinguishing feature is its use of "distinctive" as a guiding thread, focusing on analyzing the intrinsic thought characteristics and developmental logic of ancient Chinese mathematics. The narrative is coherent and the analysis in-depth, avoiding mere listing of historical materials.

Does the book include pictures or diagrams to aid understanding?

Following common practice, books of this kind usually include images of important ancient texts, schematic diagrams of algorithms, and calculation diagrams; for specifics, consult the physical book or the pages of the e-book. The book should provide corresponding illustrations of ancient calculating tools and calculation processes.

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About the author

林之满 Author

Lin Zhiman is a Chinese book compiler credited with a considerable number of titles, though public information about the author is limited: details such as nationality, dates of birth and death, and educational background are not clearly recorded. Judging from the more than 540 works held in the collection, the writing spans military affairs, history, education, culture, folklore, and popular science. Representative works include military and historical titles such as The Chinese Military Encyclopedia: Marshals and Generals and The Three Great Campaigns of Liberation, compilations on world culture and education such as The Sacred and Splendid Famous Palaces, The Finest of World Education, The Bizarre and Colorful World Folklore, and World Drama in Soft Song, as well as popular science works such as The Ever-Changing Ancient Physics and Stories of Scientific Innovation. Overall, these works are aimed at general readers, focusing on organizing knowledge and offering introductory overviews; with their broad subjects and large output, they represent a certain accumulation in the field of popular reading materials.

Xiao Feng Author · China · 1926–2001

Xiao Feng (1926–2001) was born in Pinglu, Shanxi, and graduated from the Department of Chinese Literature at Peking University in 1946. He worked as a reporter and editor for China Youth Publishing House and the magazine Traveler, taught at Renmin University of China and Beijing Normal University, later served as deputy editor-in-chief and editor-in-chief, and joined the Chinese Writers Association in 1984. He co-edited works such as A Comprehensive Guide to Chinese Tourism, Fifty Famous Travel Essays, and Beautiful China, and published hundreds of essays, travel pieces, and literary reviews. His works span inspirational growth, classic literature, and prose miscellany. The library holds over a thousand of his titles, including selected editions of Lu Xun's works and Les Misérables. Public information is limited, but his writing and editorial work were aimed at general readers and helped popularize classics and promote prose and travel writing.