《中西闻见录》与其数学传播

The Peking Magazine and the communication of its mathematics

目的解读近代北京第一份中文期刊《中西闻见录》中的数学知识,为中国近代数学史研究提供新线索。方法原始期刊文献整理与分析。结果该刊数学内容包括:代数学,特别是勾股术和天元术;数论,特别是整数表示和素数判定;几何学,特别是圆以及正弦、余弦的求法以及编者与读者的数学问题互动交流。其中李善兰(1811—1882)的素数研究接近西方数学前沿,而在代数学、几何学方面,未达到西方水平。结论一方面,《中西闻见录》介绍了西方代数学、数论等一些新的数学成就,同时也介绍了中国数学家们在数论、代数学、几何学方面的一些新的探索。另一方面,个案研究表明李约瑟关于在18世纪西方科学已完全取代中国科学的观点是片面的。其中李善兰的素数判定研究,已等价于西方的相关研究结果。

Aim To discuss the mathematics knowledge in The Peking Magazine,to study the history of mathematics in modern Chinese.Methods Textual research and analysis on original journals and literatures.Results In the journal,the mathematics content includes the algebra,especially the Gougu Shu and Tianyuan Shu;number theory,especially the integer representation and the determination of prime number between;geometry,especially the circle as well as methods of the solving sine and cosine and mathematical communication of editors and readers.Prime number of Li Shan-lan′s study matches the western frontiers in mathematics,and in algebra,but in geometry,it is not up to western levels.Conclusion On one hand,The Peking Magazine introduced western algebra,number theory and some new achievements,and also introduces the new exploration of the Chinese mathematics in number theory,algebra.On the other hand,the point of view of Dr.Joseph Needham about early in eighteenth century,the western science has been completely replace the oriental science in China,is a one-sided view.One of Li Shanlan′s prime number decision research is equivalent to western results.