The Mathematical & Astronomical Basis Of Chongzhen Lishu

Complete Principle of Measurement , as the basic literature of large calendar mathematics series Chongzhenlishu, was the beginning of the Western trigonometry, spherical astronomy and measurement into China, involving area, volume measurement, flat triangle, spherical trigonometry and spherical astronomy's theory as well as measuring instruments'applying. Complete Principle of Measurement embodies Chongzhenlishu's axiomatic mathematics and astronomy and makes a contribution to the further spread of the Western learning. Moreover, this paper discusses the academic background and the strategy and analyses Xu Guangqi's relevant work after or before translating Complete Principle of Measurement. It uses some methods, such as the analysis method of original documents, the quotation and the analysis method of the predecessors'results and the method of comparison research. The main works in this paper is as follows:The first chapter discusses the version of Complete Principle of Measurement and analysies its status and role in compiling Chongzhenlishu and reveals the external situation of Complete Principle of Measurement. The book was written to provide the basic theory and method of calculation for the compilation of the calendar. Its content was with the shape, calculation and astronomical measurement. It supplied an important model for establishing Axiomatic mathematics and astronomy.The second chapter further explores the volume structure of Complete Principle of Measurement under the previous study and discusses the writing style. It thinks that Complete Principle of Measurement inherited the Writing Style of Elements. Secondly, it is taken out five key parts——plane geometry, solid geometry, conic, spherical trigonometry and spherical astronomy part——to comprehend. The main contents of mathematics and astronomy involved in Complete Principle of Measurement have been set up respectively in accordance with the characteristics of their subject.The third chapter studies the relevant works of Xu Guangqi and explores Xue Fengzuo, Wang Xichan, Mei Wending, Kong Linzong's digestion and exertion. It clarifies that the diffusion and the development of the Western mathematics, astronomy and measurement into china during the late Ming and the early Qing Dynasty. Complete Principle of Measurement mainly consisted of the mathematics and astronomy in modern Dynasty ago. These problems and solutions were consistent with the traditional Chinese calendar and it had stimulated the enthusiasm of the Chinese Mathematicians and achieved some success. The gap between these results and the level of the West at that time was not too great.The forth chapter concludes the result of the broad sense based on the main results of each chapter. From the point of view of the sociology it states the success and the lack in the diffusion and the communication of Complete Principle of Measurement and analyses their reasons.