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The Sea Island Mathematical Manual: Surveying and Mathematics in Ancient China

The Sea Island Mathematical Manual

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"The Sea Island Mathematical Manual" by Frank J. Swetz is a mathematics book and learning resource focused on Astronomical Data. Best for teachers, students, and readers looking for stronger mathematical understanding.

The Haidao Suanjing or Sea Island Mathematical Manual, is one of the "Ten Classics" of traditional Chinese mathematics, and its contents demonstrate the high standards of theoretical and mathematical sophistication present in early Chinese surveying theory. The Haidao composed in A.D. 263 by Liu Hui, established the mathematical procedures for much of East Asian surveying activity for the next one thousand years. The contents of the Haidao also testify to the ability of the Chinese to systematize mathematics and hint at the use of proof in Chinese mathematics, a concept usually associated with Greek mathematical thought. Frank Swetz provides an annotated translation of the Haidao and an analysis of its surveying problems. In particular, he details surveying techniques and undertakes a mathematical exposition of the Chinese chong cha solution procedures. The Haidao is a testimony to the ingenuity and skill of China's early surveyors and its author, Liu Hui. This study complements and extends the findings of Swetz's previous book, Was Pythagoras Chinese? An Examination of Right Triangle Theory in Ancient China.

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Best For: Readers interested in the history of mathematics and surveying techniques in ancient China.
Focus: The mathematical methods and surveying principles detailed in the Haidao Suanjing, an ancient Chinese mathematical classic.
Covers: The development and application of mathematical procedures for surveying as established by Liu Hui in A.D. 263.
Why It Matters: It provides insight into early Chinese contributions to mathematical theory and practical surveying that influenced East Asian practices for centuries.

"The Sea Island Mathematical Manual" by Frank J. Swetz is a mathematics book and learning resource focused on Astronomical Data. Best for teachers, students, and readers looking for stronger mathematical understanding.

Topic: Astronomical Data

Author: Frank J. Swetz

Who this is for:

  • Teachers and classroom instructors
  • Students building subject mastery
  • Readers looking for practical learning support

Why this book matters: It stands out as a practical math resource that helps explain concepts, strengthen problem-solving, and support classroom or independent learning.

The Haidao Suanjing or Sea Island Mathematical Manual, is one of the "Ten Classics" of traditional Chinese mathematics, and its contents demonstrate the high standards of theoretical and mathematical sophistication present in early Chinese surveying theory. The Haidao composed in A.D. 263 by Liu Hui, established the mathematical procedures for much of East Asian surveying activity for the next one thousand years. The contents of the Haidao also testify to the ability of the Chinese to systematize mathematics and hint at the use of proof in Chinese mathematics, a concept usually associated with Greek mathematical thought. Frank Swetz provides an annotated translation of the Haidao and an analysis of its surveying problems. In particular, he details surveying techniques and undertakes a mathematical exposition of the Chinese chong cha solution procedures. The Haidao is a testimony to the ingenuity and skill of China's early surveyors and its author, Liu Hui. This study complements and extends the findings of Swetz's previous book, Was Pythagoras Chinese? An Examination of Right Triangle Theory in Ancient China.

AuthorFrank J. Swetz
PublisherPenn State University Press
Published2003-10-02
ISBN-139780271024523
BindingPaperback
Pages88
LanguageEnglish
SubjectsHistory
TopicAstronomical Data

Format: Paperback

Length: 88 pages

Language: English

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