Euclid in China
Subtitle: the genesis of the first Chinese translation of Euclid's Elements, books I-VI (Jihe yuanben, Beijing, 1607) and its reception up to 1723
By: by Peter M. Engelfriet.
Series: Sinica Leidensia,; v. 40
Publisher: Brill
Published: 1998
Place of publication: Leiden; Boston
Language: eng
Number of pages: 488
Subjects: Euclid.; Geometry -- China -- Early works to 1800.; Geometry -- China -- History -- 17th century.
Description: As part of the Jesuits' programme of introduction to European culture, in 1607 the Elements of Euclid (d.300 B C) were translated for the first time into Chinese. The translation of this epoch-making ancient Greek textbook on deductive geometry meant a confrontation of contemporary Chinese and European cultures. This work explores in depth and at various levels the circumstances and mechanisms that shaped the transmission of a key work of science from one language and cultural context onto another. Consequently it offers often surprising insights into the ways of intercultural exchange and misunderstandings.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (p. [467]-482) and index.