The Chinese Journal for the History of Science and technology  NO.2 2001

Li Yan and the π in the History of Ancient Chinese Mathematics……ZOU Da hai

【Abstract】 The π (ratio of the circumference of a circle to its diameter) has been paid much attention to in the study on the history of Chinese mathematics, and several problems have been in dispute until recently. This paper reveals several Li Yan's letters concerning π to Yan Dunjie. Comparing the arguments of these letters with his published works, it discusses Li Yan's viewpoints and choices on four outstanding questions in different times. The four questions are: (1) Liu Xin' π; (2) Who is the author of the paragraph about the ‘Jin Wuku’ (Jin's Storeroom of Weaponry) from the annotations on the yuantianshu (method of circular field) of the Nine Chapters on Mathematical Procedures and the π 3927/1250; (3) how to explain the record about the capacity measures in the Lǜlizhi (records of the music temperaments and calendars) of the Suishu (History of the Sui Dynasty); (4) How did Zu Chongzhi gain his π 355/113. Through the discussions, the paper reflects Li Yan's train of thought in research, academic style, and venerable demeanour. The author points out: Li Yan's way of research that historical materials are to be combined with mechanism of computing processes, and his viewpoint that an inference of the study on history of science is essentially a hypothesis, are significant to today's study on the history of mathematics, or even to the study on the history of science.

A Demonstration of Human Dissection in the Early Republic China……WANG Yang zong

【Abstract】 In the middle of nineteenth century,modern anatomy was introduced into China,however autopsy was strictly prohibited due to the Confucian ethical code.The prohibition was abolished towards the end of 1913. Before that,two Chinese teachers carried out a demonstration of autopsy in the Jiangsu Provincial Medical School,Suzhou.It was praized as “the first” human dissection in Chinese history.

The Course and the Achievement of Corn Variety Improving in the 20th Century in China……TONG Ping ya

【Abstract】 The variety improving of corn in China has its beginning in the early part of the 20th century. Some scientists studying abroad in American introduced the modern new method of crossbreeding, and laid the foundation of the corn variety improving course. By the obstruction of the political, movement from the 1950s to the 1970s variety improving of corn made a slow progress. It has made considerable success since the 1980s. The spreading of crossbreed has become one of the important measures to expand the corn growing areas and increase the output. The work of the corn crossbreed selection in China ranks first in the world.

Accuracy of Eclipse Predictions and Observations Made during Calendar debating in the Late Ming Dynasty……LU Ling feng, SHI Yun li

【Abstract】 This paper collects from the Xiyang Xinfa Lishu(New Computus According to Western Method)the records of the eclipse predictions and observations made during the calendar debating towards the end of the Ming dynasty,reduces them into modem units and analyses their accuracy.On this basis,the paper discusses the accuracy of Western method and the Datong Computus in eclipse predictions and the accuracy of eclipse observations at the time in question,and comes to the conclusion that the Xiyang Xinfa Lishu is not “accurate to the minute” in predictive calculations as some advocators of Westem astronomy claimed,but has apparent errors in some cases.

Textual Research on the Institute of Geology, Ministry of Agriculture and Commerce……LI Xue tong

【Abstract】 The foundation of the Institute of Geology under the Ministry of Agriculture and Commerce in 1913 marks the start of geological education in China.As a school for geology,the Institute of Geology trained the first group of Chinese geologists in China.This paper is a textual research about the number of students matriculated by the institute,the time for its term to begin,the results of its graduates and so on. 

Japan's Colonial Scientific Research Institutes in China —— On “Central Research Institute of South Manchurian Railway Company”……LIANG Bo, CHEN Fan

【Abstract】 Central Research Institute of South Manchurian Railway Company, established in 1907 during the period of Japanese invasion in China, is a representative of colonial science research organization.It was transferred to South Manchurian Railway Company in 1910. It provided 6 departments and 23 research groups (proving grounds) in 1941. Nearly for 40 years from 1907 to 1945, the research work they had been engaged in were on farm produce processing such as soybean, industrialization of magnesium, aluminum and other mineral products, extraction of shale oil, coal liquefied and ceramics.

The Channels and Points in Ayurveda……LIAO Yu qun

【Abstract】 This article introduces the theory of human channels and points in Ayurveda according to several chapters chosen from the ancient Indian medical classic Susruta samhita. The translated chapters selected consist of: (1) Volume 3, Chapter 9: Particular Explanation about Dhamani; (2) Volume 3, Chapter 7: Record and classification about Sira; (3) Volume 3, Chapter 6: Explanation about Marman; (4) Volume 3, Chapter 8: Bloodletting therapy.

Specialist in Electric Power and Electrical Engineering:Yun Zhen……YUN Zhen

【Abstract】 As a pioneer of China's electrical engineering and mechanical & electrical industry, Mr. Yun Zhen(Oct.14, 1901-Jan. 14, 1994)took part in and made major contributions to such important activities as the formulation of standards, establishment of academic organizations & the mechanical & electrical industry, introduction of technology and training qualified technical personnel for his country.

The Nine Chapters on the Mathematical Art, Companion & Commentary by Shen Kang Shen and Others……HAN Xiang lin, WANG Xiao qin

【Abstract】 It is through ? Biot's and A Wylie's relevant writings that The Nine Chapters on the Mathematical Art was first known in the West More about this Chinese mathematical classic was open to Westerners after the publication of Y Mikami's The Development of Mathematics in China and Japan. E I Berezkina's and K Vogel's translations became the most important references on it,but neither contained the commentaries of Liu Hui and Li Chunfeng So far, The Nine Chapters on the Mathematical Art, Companion & Commentary, translated by Shen Kangshen, John N Crossley and Anthony W. C Lun, and jointly published by Oxford University Press and Science Press of China, has been the most complete translation This paper briefly deals with its content, process of completion, characteristics and academic attainments,concluding that it sets an example on the future translations into Western languages of other Chinese mathematical classics and will be of historical importance.