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Astronomy and mathematics in ancient China : the Zhou bi suan jing / Christopher Cullen.

By: Language: English Original language: Chinese Series: Needham Research Institute studies ; 1.Publication details: Cambridge ; New York : Cambridge University Press, 1996.Description: xiv, 241 p. : ill. ; 26 cmISBN:
  • 0521550890 (hc)
  • 9780521550895 (hc)
Uniform titles:
  • Chou pi suan ching. English.
Subject(s): DDC classification:
  • 510/.931 20
LOC classification:
  • QA27.C5 C85 1996
Contents:
The background of the Zhou bi -- The Zhou bi and its contents -- The origins of the work -- The later history of the Zhou bi -- Zhou bi suan jing: translation -- The preface of Zhao Shuang. The book of Shang Gao. The book of Chen Zi. The square and the circle. The seven heng. The shapes of heaven and earth; day and night. The xuan ji; polar and tropical conditions. The graduated circle and north polar distance. The shadow table. Lunar lag. Rising, setting and seasons. Calendrical cycles -- Appendix 1 Zhao Shuang and Pythagoras' theorem -- Appendix 2 Zhao Shuang and the height of the sun -- Appendix 3 Zhao Shuang and the diagram of the seven heng -- Appendix 4 The old shadow table.
Summary: This is a study and translation of the Zhou bi suan jing, a Chinese work on astronomy and mathematics which reached its final form around the first century AD. The author provides the first easily accessible introduction to the developing mathematical and observational practices of ancient Chinese astronomers and shows how the generation and validation of knowledge about the heavens in Han dynasty China related closely to developments in statecraft and politics. The book will be of equal interest to historians of science and those studying the history of Chinese culture.
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Holdings
Item type Current library Call number Status Date due Barcode
Books Books The Anton Library of Chinese Studies General Stacks QA27.C5 C85 1996 (Browse shelf(Opens below)) Available TBC00010715

Includes bibliographical references (p. [227]-235) and index.

The background of the Zhou bi -- The Zhou bi and its contents -- The origins of the work -- The later history of the Zhou bi -- Zhou bi suan jing: translation -- The preface of Zhao Shuang. The book of Shang Gao. The book of Chen Zi. The square and the circle. The seven heng. The shapes of heaven and earth; day and night. The xuan ji; polar and tropical conditions. The graduated circle and north polar distance. The shadow table. Lunar lag. Rising, setting and seasons. Calendrical cycles -- Appendix 1 Zhao Shuang and Pythagoras' theorem -- Appendix 2 Zhao Shuang and the height of the sun -- Appendix 3 Zhao Shuang and the diagram of the seven heng -- Appendix 4 The old shadow table.

This is a study and translation of the Zhou bi suan jing, a Chinese work on astronomy and mathematics which reached its final form around the first century AD. The author provides the first easily accessible introduction to the developing mathematical and observational practices of ancient Chinese astronomers and shows how the generation and validation of knowledge about the heavens in Han dynasty China related closely to developments in statecraft and politics. The book will be of equal interest to historians of science and those studying the history of Chinese culture.

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