The Development Of Mechanized Mathematics In The Ming Dynasty And The Modern Sense

This thesis expounds the development of mechanized mathematics in Ming Dynasty by using of Wu Wenjun's theory and ideology, through analysing the concrete algorithm of historical works. It contrasts and analyses of mathematics mechanization with the before of Ming Dynasty in length and with the Western in crosswise. Some new conclusions are drawn in this paper.The primitive thought and methods of mathematics mechanization can be found in the early classical mathematical books. The mechanized mathematics had come into being in Nine Chapters of Mathematical Art, and stepped into its stage for preliminary development in Tang, Song and Ming Danasties. The development is studied in algorithm's basic essential factors: input, operation, store, output.The mechanized mathematics has a highly development in Ming Dynasty, the abacus's perfected standardize is one hand, the other hand is fundamental algorithm's standardize, a pithy formula, program. The skill and using field of algorithm are extended, and has a tendency of vague generalization. It takes effect of pushing forward on mathematical universal education.The development of mechanized mathematics goes through tortuous way in the Western countries, written calculation is the most compute means. The mechanized degree of writing calculation is lower, and not meet the actual demands. Other means, example: table calculation, slide rule, graphic solution, are invented to make up the defect of writing calculation. The digital electronic computer was invented on the forties of the 20th century in the West by the promoting of the urgent needs of social and military, and the development of electronics.Zhusuan is closer than writing calculation with computer in the distance, through the analyzing and researching in algorithm mechanism. The developed of mechanized mathematics, in Ming Dynasty, is the heights of Chinese mathematics and the magnificent feats of the world in that times.The reason, which the computer is not invented in China, is in many ways, one side is the Chinese's policy of the intelligentsia, the other said is 'Zhishu thinking' and the evaluating of mathematics. We should use the viewpoint of scientific and overall in evaluating the mathematical development of Ming Dynasty, not simple axiomatizecal mathematics.The spreading of mechanized mathematics, in Ming Dynasty, is unprecedented in the vast of territory and long times. It is advantageous in the education. We should develop what is useful or health and discard what is not.