A History of Japanese Mathematics (Dover Books on Mathematics) [Paperback]

David E. Smith (Author), Yoshio Mikami (Author)

Book Description

Series: Dover Books on Mathematics | Publication Date: April 30, 2004

This survey highlights the leading features in the development of the wasan, the Japanese system of mathematics. Topics include the use of the abacus; the application of sangi, or counting rods, to algebra; the yenri, or circle principle; the work of Seki Kowa, Ajima Chokuyen and Wada Nei; more. 1914 edition. Includes 74 figures.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

--This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

From the Back Cover

First published in 1914, this unique book explains the development of the study of math from ancient Japan through to that nation's then-current integration into the Western scientific world. In the beginning, Japan imported its scientific understanding from China--while little is known about the state of mathematics at the time, the words used for numbers were Chinese in origin.

Eventually, the Japanese began to develop their own methods and calculation machines, culminating in a golden era of wasan, or classical mathematics. Anyone interested in Japanese culture or the history of math will find this a fascinating read.

New York lawyer and mathematician DAVID EUGENE SMITH (1860-1944) authored a number of books while a professor of mathematics at Columbia University, including The Teaching of Elementary Mathematics (1900) and History of Modern Mathematics (1896). --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Dover Publications (April 30, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0486434826
• ISBN-13: 978-0486434827
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 5.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,299,838 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars abbreviated, October 19, 2005

By 

W Boudville (Terra, Sol 3) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: A History of Japanese Mathematics (Dover Books on Mathematics) (Paperback)

This is a reprint of barely remembered book printed in 1913. It was probably the first to explain to Westerners the history of maths in Japan. Somewhat abbreviated perhaps. You can see how algebra and geometry developed in Japan. With speculation on how calculus from Europe might have influenced 17th century maths manuscripts. While later years brought advances in infinite series and sums.

The book may cause some readers to wonder if there have been other, more comprehensive discussions of Japanese maths.