As part of the Jesuits' programme of introduction to European culture, in 1607 the Elements of Euclid (d.300 B C) were translated for the first time into Chinese. The translation of this epoch-making ancient Greek textbook on deductive geometry meant a confrontation of contemporary Chinese and European cultures.
This work explores in depth and at various levels the circumstances and mechanisms that shaped the transmission of a key work of science from one language and cultural context onto another. Consequently it offers often surprising insights into the ways of intercultural exchange and misunderstandings.
This book explores the cultural and historical context of the introduction of Euclid's Elements into China by the Jesuits in 1607. The author shows how the translation of Euclid's deductive geometry text caused a confrontation between the contemporary European and Chinese cultures. To guide the reader through this event, the author first provides substantial background into both Chinese and European cultural milieus of the 17th century. An examination of Euclid's text is followed by an account of how learned Chinese tried to integrate this new knowledge into their own mathematical and cultural traditions. Includes an annotated version of the translation in question. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.
The subject of this volume is the first translation (1607) into Chinese of Euclid's Elements (± 300 BC) and its reception in seventeenth century China. The book covers mathematical and linguistic matters and deals extensively with the cultural and intellectual context.
