Title: The emperor's new mathematics : Western learning and imperial authority during the Kangxi Reign (1662-1722) /
Authors: Jami, Catherine.
Publisher: Oxford University Press,
Year: 2012
Subjects: Qing Shengzu (China, Kaiser); Jesuiten.; Naturwissenschaften.; Mathematik.; Science China History; Science China History; Mathematics China History; Mathematics China History; China History; China Civilization Western influences
Abstract: Jami explores how the emperor Kangxi solidified the Qing dynasty in 17th-century China through the appropriation of the 'Western learning', and especially the mathematics, of Jesuit missionaries. This text details not only the history of mathematical ideas, but also their political and cultural impact.
Contents: The Jesuits and mathematics in Chinca, 1582-1644 -- Western learning under the new dynasty (1644-1666) -- The emperor and his astronomer (1668-1688) -- A mathematical scholar in Jiangnam: the first half-life of Mei Wending -- The "King's mathematicians": a French Jesuit mission in China -- Inspecting the southern sky: Kangxi at the Nanjing observatory -- Teaching "French science" at the court: Gerbillon and Bouvet's tutoring -- The imperial road to geometry: new Elements of geometry -- Calculation for the emperor: the writings of a discreen mathematician -- Astronomy in the capital (1689-1693): scholars, officials and ruler -- The 1700s: reversal of alliance? -- The office of mathematics: foundation and staff -- The Jesuits and innovation in imperial sicnece: Jean-Francois Foucet's treatises -- The construction of the Essence of numbers and their principles -- Methods and material culture in the Essence of numbers and their principles -- A new mathematical classic?