Study On Calvin Wilson Mateer’s Xingxue Beizhi And Daishu Beizhi

The popularization of modern mathematics in China is a long process,which begins with schooling and textbook compilation.Based on the interpretation of western and ancient Chinese mathematical writings by the missionaries,and the springing up of classroom teaching,the modern geometry and algebra could popularize widely in the Late Qing Dynasty.In order to target at the popularization of modern geometry and algebra in China,the author selected "XingxueBeizhi" and "Daishu Beizhi" as the breakthrough point.There is little research on the two mathematics textbooks,which compiled for children of school age.Based on the history of mathematics and mathematics education,the paper focuses on some aspects inclusive of the content features,the compilation style,the original English version,influence on the later generations,curriculum and teaching methods.The main works of this paper are as follows:Through the study on content feature and the compilation style,we could find the two books exceeded other textbooks of same type at the same time;by comparing different English versions,the sources of"Xingxue Beishi" are determined.Through the contents of "Daishu Beizh","Daishu Xue"and "Daishu Shu",the uniqueness of "Daishu Beizhi" is interpreted to prove its historical value.The popularity of the two textbooks and their annotated works are also demonstrated in the dissertation.On account of the above analysis,Calvin Wilson Mateer’s thought of compiling textbooks is summed up,which is far-reaching and promotes the popularization of modern geometry and algebra in China.The study comes to the following conclusions:(1)The publication of "Xingxue Beizhi" symbolizes the beginning of wide popularization of western geometry in China.(2)The compilation of "Xingxue Beizhi" reaches a high level of elementary geometry textbook in modern China.(3)"isosceles triangle","apex angle" and "fillet" are first translated by Calvin Wilson Mateer and still in use now.(4)Different from the previous research results,the original version of "Xingxue Beizhi" stems from four English textbooks by four authors.(5)"Daishu Beizhi" comprehensively explains the zero as a denominator.(6)"Daishu Beizhi" is the first algebra textbook which explains the inequality equation and contains exercises and application questions in the Late Qing Dynasty.(7)The wide popularization of western geometry in China is transmitted from the missionaries and church schools and the Chinese scholar stratum is gradually affected from the common people.(8)Calvin Wilson Mateer’s theory,in spite imperfection,initiates a precedent in the field of textbook compilation and adapts Chinese conditions at that time.