明代数学及其评价

MING MATHEMATICS AND ITS EVALUATION

明代数学有其特殊性，算盘的发明和珠算的发展是中算的一场革命。该文对明代数学具有鲜明的社会性与应用性，以算为主、算理合一的机械化算法体系以及吸收西洋数学、开中西数学合流之先河诸方面进行了分析，对明代数学处于所谓“沉寂”、“倒退”之说提出了商榷。

Mathematlcs of the Ming Dynasty has its specific characteristics. The invention of abacus and the development of calculation with abacus cause a revolution in Chinese arithmetical history. By its distinct social nature and applicability, its mechanical calculating system dominated by calculation with a combination of calculation and principles, and its precedent of absorbing Western mathematics in the history of world mathematics, it fully illustrates that its being judged in the Western way of evaluating mathematics as in a state ofsilence and backwardness does not conform with the specificity of Chinese arithmetic or with the specific atmosphere of Chinese cultural tradition.