Histoire des mathématiques chinoises

Abstract

Most reviews are solicited. However, colleagues wishing to review a book are invited to make known their wishes. Comments on books, articles, or reviews should be submitted to the Correspondence Department. We also welcome retrospective reviews of older books. Colleagues interested in writing such reviews should consult first with the editor to avoid duplication. Histoire des math~matiques chinoises. By Jean-Claude Martzloff. Paris (Masson). 1988. xx + 375 pp.On the cover of Jean-Claude Martzloff's History of Chinese Mathematics, a simple woodcut gravure from the late Qing dynasty depicts a master demonstrating the ease with which the abacus could be used. This one picture captures nicely the dual role of traditional mathematics in ancient China, for the abacus was an instrument not only of practical significance but also of theoretical importance.Martzloff's History demonstrates clearly that while the Chinese were adept in applying their mathematics to a host of practical problems, including astronomy and engineering as well as commercial transactions, they also paid attention to algorithmic techniques, methods of calculation, geometric constructions, and even certain purely logical problems. But above all, what sets this book apart from the usual histories of mathematics (in any language, Chinese or Western, of any period or country) is its emphasis first on context, then on content, in describing the long history of Chinese mathematics.Often the approach taken to writing the history of science--including the history of mathematics--is a straightforward linear chronology of discoverers and discov- 437