Chinese Mathematicians' Research On Logarithms In Qing Dynasty

Logarithms was invented in the early 17th century, which made a significant advancement of the calculating technique of the mathematics history, facilitated the development of other subjects, especially astronomy and navigation, and had a profound impact on the development of Mathematics. French mathematician Laplace (1749-1827) once said:"The invention of the logarithms not only saves astronomers' work, but also lengthens their life." That described the important role of the logarithms. Engels (1820-1895) referred to the invention of Logarithms, the creation of Analytic Geometry, and the establishment of Differential and Integral Calculus as the three outstanding mathematical achievements in the seventeenth century. Galileo (1564-1642) also said: "Given space, time and logarithms, I could create a universe." Therefore, to study the history of logarithms is a meaningful job.The development history of Logarithms in Qing Dynasty is the history of mathematicians'hard work during that time. To study, compare and summarize their methods for calculating logarithms and building logarithm tables is a significant work. It is also a way understanding the mathematics of Qing Dynasty. The thesis combs the development history of Logarithms during Qing Dynasty by introducing the work related to logarithms made by Chinese mathematicians, which shows their unique achievement.This thesis is divided into five parts. In the first part, the author mainly introduces the meaning of the chosen title and work related to the thesis made by scholars. In the second part, the author discusses the work made by Chinese mathematicians in the primary period just after the introduction of logarithms into China. The third part introduces the achievement attained by DAI Xu, LI Shanlan, XU Youren, and so on. And this part is also the main part of the thesis. In the fourth part, the author discusses the new contents introduced to China. The last part, the author briefly summarizes the introduction and development of logarithms in Qing Dynasty.