Exploring the Legacy of Ancient Chinese Mathematics

For centuries, the Chinese have been unearthing the mysteries of the universe through mathematics. From the over 1,000 year-old Suan Shui Mathematics Classic, to the modern-day use of mathematics in the Chinese economy, the Chinese people have always been at the forefront of discovery. But what were the roots of Chinese mathematics, and how has it evolved over the centuries?

To uncover the secrets of Chinese mathematics, one must look at the history of Chinese civilization. Scholars believe that the earliest instances of mathematics in the region originated from the Shang Dynasty (1600-1046 B.C.) During this period, the Chinese people were using simple counting methods to aid in trade, taxation, and military campaigns. Over the centuries these counting techniques became more intricate and complex, leading to the creation of the abacus in 215 B.C. This device allowed users to make quick and accurate calculations. It was eventually adapted to use by the Japanese in the Edo period (1603-1868), and it is still used in parts of East Asia today.

From the time of the Han Dynasty (202 B.C - 220 A.D.), the Chinese have produced some of the most influential mathematical treatises ever written. The Book of Changes, the Nine Chapters on the Mathematical Art and the Han Dynasty Treatise on Arithmetic all date back to this period. These works would go on to influence mathematicians in Europe and the East for centuries to come.
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In late antiquity (3rd century A.D.), the Chinese mathematician Zhu Shijie wrote the Suan Shui Mathematics Classic, the first-ever book written on the imperial form of mathematics. Despite its age (the book was written nearly a thousand years ago), its content is still used in mathematics classrooms today. Zhu's work focused on symbolic algebra, geometry, and astronomy, leading to the development of what is known as the Pascal theorem in Europe.

The Sung dynasty (960-1279) brought about one of the most revolutionary eras in Chinese mathematics. The noted mathematician Qin Jiushao was an influential figure during this time. His works on mathematical notation, polynomial theory, and even algebraic geometry would go on to have far-reaching effects. His textbooks included Key to Arithmetic, Mathematical Treatise in Nine Sections, and Mathematical Treatise in Six Sections; the latter two were highly influential works used during the Ming and Qing Dynasties (1279 to 1911).
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The 18th and 19th centuries saw a shift in Chinese mathematics. Scholars with access to Western books began to adopt their content, resulting in a period of translation and interpretation. The works of Western mathematicians such as Newton and Pascal were studied and commented upon as Chinese mathematicians tried to meld Eastern and Western mathematics.

In the 20th century, the Chinese developed a passionate interest in applied mathematics. In particular, the field of systems science was embraced by Chinese mathematicians and scientists. Systems science applies mathematical methods to a range of disciplines such as engineering and economics, and Chinese mathematicians were quick to embrace this new field. With their passion for applied mathematics, Chinese mathematicians were able to help push their nation forward in the modern era.

From its humble beginnings to the influential works of many famous mathematicians, the exciting history of Chinese mathematics is clear. From the Math Classics and the use of the abacus, to the modern-day embrace of systems science, Chinese mathematicians have continuously pushed the envelope in their understanding of the universe.