Euclid in China

Download or read book Euclid in China written by Peter M. Engelfriet and published by BRILL. This book was released on 1998 with total page 516 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: 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.