Comic

Qin Jiushao

Qin Jiushao stands as one of the principal representatives of the Song-Yuan mathematics-the final glorious climax of classical Chinese mathematics. 秦九韶是中国古典数学最后一个高潮--宋元数学的主要代表人物之一 Qin Jiushao (1208-1268/1269), courtesy name Daogu, was a native of Anyue, Sichuan. A renowned mathematician of the Southern Song Dynasty, he authored the Mathematical Treatise in Nine Sections in nine categories and eighteen volumes. He advanced the zengcheng method of root extraction pioneered by Jia Xian of the Northern Song, refining it into a comprehensive approach for finding positive roots of high-degree polynomial equations in one variable. He also developed the dayan zongshu shu, centered on the dayan qiuyi shu-a systematic method for solving systems of linear congruences. Beyond mathematics, Qin Jiushao made significant contributions to astronomy, calendrical science, architecture, agriculture, water conservancy, military strategy, and poetry, distinguishing himself as a rare polymath of his time. Biography of Qin Jiushao draws primarily on his Mathematical Treatise in Nine Sections, especially his own prefaces, supplemented by relevant historical materials. It focuses on narrating Qin Jiushao's life experiences and his mathematical achievements, highlighting his rigorous scientific spirit and innovative thinking as a mathematician, as well as his profound concern for the welfare of the common people and his advocacy for benevolent governance. 秦九韶（1208-1268或1269），字道古，四川安岳人。南宋数学家，撰有《数书九章》九类十八卷。他发展了北宋贾宪的增乘开方法，将一元高次方程求正根的方法发展到十分完备的程度；提出了以大衍求一术为核心的大衍总数术，即系统的一次同余方程组解法。秦九韶还在天文历法、建筑营造、农田水利、军事、诗词等方面造诣颇深，是少有的全才。 《秦九韶传》以秦九韶的《数书九章》特别是他的自序为主要依据，结合相关史料，重点叙述了秦九韶的生平事迹及他在数学方面的成就，展现了秦九韶作为数学家所具有的实事求是的科学精神与创新精神，以及他关心民间疾苦、主张施行仁政的为民情怀。