| Title |
Mathematics 1 |
| Reference |
SCC2/64 |
| Covering Dates |
1942–23 Dec. 1990 |
| Extent and Medium |
Paper |
|
| Index Terms |
| Mathematics |
| Needham/NRI2/SCC2/64 contains: |
|
1
|
Documents relating to parallels with India and the Arabs. These documents were collected together in a small subfolder. They comprise copy of a review by E. H. Neville of Prof. L V Gurjar's, 'Mathematics in India', (17 April 1948); typed extract from work by S. N. Sen on mathematics and astronomy in India, [Undated, 1960s?]; letter from Ramkrishna Bhattacharya of Calcutta, India about the 6th century Syrian bishop, Severus Sebokht and understanding of the advanced nature of Indian mathematics, (22 April 1986); related bibliographical references.
Creator: Neville, E. H.; Sen, S. N.; Bhattacharya, Ramkrishna.
11 sheets; Paper. |
17 Apr. 1948–22 Apr. 1986 |
|
2
|
Letter from S. N. Dasgupta of Unesco, Paris, France, providing Joseph Needham with a reference to a book on Hindu Mathematics for the 'writing of the book you have so long planned'. Other matters discussed include Dasgupta's tour of the Philippines, India, Cairo and Rome; his dislike of air travel; Needham's 'farewell meeting'; Dorothy Needham's election as Fellow of the Royal Society.
Creator: Dasgupta, S. N.
1 document; Paper. |
3 May 1948 |
|
3
|
Typed information about a conference on 'Les Anciennes Mathématics au Japon' and attached Joseph Needham notes of contacts in Paris. The contacts are Bourgois [Gaston Bourgois?] who 'works on Japanese mathematics, wrote some articles on this'; Vadime Elisseift [?] who is 'working on the beginnings of Chinese archaeology'.
2 sheets; Paper. |
1945–1955 |
|
4
|
Note from Prof. H. Fehr of Geneva, Switzerland providing Joseph Needham with references to books on the history of mathematics in China.
Creator: Fehr, H.
1 document; Paper. |
10 Dec. 1946 |
|
5
|
Letter from ??? [Tshao Jih-Chang / Cao Richhang] of King's College, Cambridge forwarding a published bibliography of articles Chinese history of mathematics prepared by ?? [Li Nien / Li Nien].
Creator: Tshao Jih-Chang.
5 sheets; Paper. |
1947–15 July 1948 |
|
6
|
Joseph Needham's notes on Y. Mikami, 'The Pythagorean Theorum' ('Archiv f. Math. u. Physik', 1912). The documents also include an order form for the Science Museum Library Photostat Service for a copy of the article. The form is marked 'cancelled'.
2 sheets; Paper. |
11 Mar. 1950 |
|
7
|
Joseph Needham's notes on B. Datta's, 'On the Origin and Development of the Idea of Percent', ('American Mathematical Monthly', 1927).
2 sheets; Paper. |
1945–1955 |
|
8
|
Notes by Wang Ling on work by Chhien Pao-Tsung [??? / Qian Baocong] on the content of «?????» [Hsia Hou Yang Suan Ching / Xia Hou Yang Suan Jing].
Creator: Wang Ling.
16 sheets; Paper. |
1945–1955 |
|
9
|
Joseph Needham's notes on ?? [Li Nien / Li Nien] «?????», (Shanghai, 1937). On the reverse of the notes is a draft of a telegram sent by Needham from the British Embassy in Chungking.
1 document; Paper. |
1942–1950 |
|
10
|
Copy of an article by ?? [Li Nien / Li Nien] entitled «?????» published in «??» [Ko Hsüeh / Ke Xue], (1944) and English notes on the article prepared by Lu Gwei-Djen [?].
Creator: Li Nien; Lu Gwei-Djen.
20 sheets; Paper. |
1945–1950 |
|
11
|
Copy of an article by ?? [Li Nien / Li Nien] entitled «??????» published in «??» [Ko Hsüeh / Ke Xue] and English notes on the article prepared by Lu Gwei-Djen [?].
Creator: Li Nien; Lu Gwei-Djen.
7 sheets; Paper. |
1945–1950 |
|
12
|
Notes by Wang Ling from work by Chhien Pao-Tsung [??? / Qian Baocong] on 'Liu Hsin [?? / Liu Xin] and Pi'.
Creator: Wang Ling.
10 sheets; Paper. |
1945–1955 |
|
13
|
Copy of an article by ??? [Chang Yung-Li / Zhang Yongli] entitled «???????» and notes by Joseph Needham.
Creator: Chang Yung-Li.
6 sheets; Paper. |
1945–1955 |
|
14
|
Joseph Needham's notes on the history of Pi.
3 sheets; Paper. |
1945–1955 |
|
15
|
Joseph Needham's notes of useful articles in «??» [Kho Hsüeh / Ke Xue], (1917-1947).
2 sheets; Paper. |
1945–1955 |
|
16
|
Typed notes about the expression of zero.
1 document; Paper. |
1945–1955 |
|
17
|
Wang Ling's notes on the content of 'Chou Pei [Zhou Bei / Zhou Bi]'.
Creator: Wang Ling.
12 sheets; Paper. |
1945–1955 |
|
18
|
Joseph Needham's list of references relating to mathematics in George Sarton's 'Introduction to the History of Science', (Baltimore, 1927-1947).
1 document; Paper. |
1945–1955 |
|
19
|
Joseph Needham's notes from L. E. Dickson's, 'History of the Theory of Numbers', (New York, 1934).
1 document; Paper. |
1945–1955 |
|
20
|
Joseph Needham's notes on the spherical trigonometry of Kuo Shou-Ching [??? / Guo Shoujing] and Shen Kua [?? / Shen Gua]. The notes are from various publications.
8 sheets; Paper. |
1945–1955 |
|
21
|
Notes by Wang Ling from work by Chhien Pao-Tsung [??? / Qian Baocong] on «?????», (468-486).
Creator: Wang Ling.
11 sheets; Paper. |
1945–1955 |
|
22
|
Wang Ling's notes on the content of «????» [Shu Shu Chi I / Shu Shu Ji Yi].
Creator: Wang Ling.
10 sheets; Paper. |
1945–1955 |
|
23
|
Wang Ling's notes on content of «????» [Chiu Chang Suan Shu / Jiu Zhang Suan Shu], (1st century A.D.).
Creator: Wang Ling.
52 sheets; Paper. |
1945–1955 |
|
24
|
Typed notes from Yoshio Mikami's «???????», (Toyo Gakuho,1926). The notes are by Wang Ling. They have been annotated by Joseph Needham.
Creator: Wang Ling; Needham, Joseph.
14 sheets; Paper. |
1945–1955 |
|
25
|
Wang Ling's notes on Liu Hui's [??] commentary on the «????»[Chiu Chang Suan Shu / Jiu Zhang Suan Shu] and on Liu's own contributions.
Creator: Wang Ling.
4 sheets; Paper. |
1945–1955 |
|
26
|
Wang Ling's notes on decimals and metrology from Wu Chhêng-Lo [??? / Wu Chengluo] «??????», (Shanghai, 1937).
Creator: Wang Ling.
8 sheets; Paper. |
1945–1955 |
|
27
|
Wang Ling notes on the decimal expression of large numbers from work by Chhien Pao-Tsung [??? / Qian Baocong].
Creator: Wang Ling.
2 sheets; Paper. |
1945–1955 |
|
28
|
Typed notes headed 'Needham on Chinese mathematics' prepared by Frank White following his reading of proofs of 'Science and Civilisation in China, Volume 3'. Joseph Needham has noted at the top of the page, 'Frank White's criticisms'.
Creator: White, Frank.
1 document; Paper. |
28 Feb. 1952 |
|
29
|
Notes of Japanese contacts for the history of mathematics.
2 sheets; Paper. |
1945–1955 |
|
30
|
Joseph Needham's notes from a series of three lectures by Wang Ling on Chinese mathematics.
4 sheets; Paper. |
13 Nov. 1953–27 Nov. 1953 |
|
31
|
Wang Ling's critical notes on the mathematics section of 'Science and Civilisation in China'.
Creator: Wang Ling.
54 sheets; Paper. |
1950–1955 |
|
32
|
Wang Ling's notes on Chang Hêng's [?? / Zhang Heng] calculation of Pi.
Creator: Wang Ling.
3 sheets; Paper. |
1950–1955 |
|
33
|
Joseph Needham's notes on decimals from various publications.
6 sheets; Paper. |
1945–1955 |
|
34
|
Typed notes on indeterminate analysis and Pi. The notes were probably prepared by Wang Ling. They have been annotated by Joseph Needham.
Creator: Wang Ling; Needham, Joseph.
1 document; Paper. |
1945–1955 |
|
35
|
Typescript of beginning of the introduction to 'Science and Civilisation in China, Volume 3' dealing with attempts by Western scholars to write on Chinese mathematics.
1 document; Paper. |
1945–1955 |
|
36
|
Comments by Kurt Mahler on the proofs of the mathematics section of 'Science and Civilisation in China, Volume 3'.
Creator: Mahler, Kurt.
9 sheets; Paper. |
Jan. 1954 |
|
37
|
Two annotated lists of contents for the mathematics section of 'Science and Civilisation in China, Volume 3'.
2 sheets; Paper. |
1945–1955 |
|
38
|
Letter from Wu Shih-Chang [??? / Wu Shichang] in Oxford, commenting on the forms of bone and bronze numerals given by ?? [Li Nien / Li Nien] in his «?????», (Shanghai, 1937) and related documents. The related documents include a list showing the forms of numbers given by Li. There is also a heavily annotated typescript of the 'Science and Civilisation in China' section on 'Numeral Notation, place-value and zero'. This part of the chapter was rewritten in the light of Wu's comments.
Creator: Wu Shih-Chang.
12 sheets; Paper. |
13 Dec. 1957 |
|
39
|
Wang Ling's notes on the early part of the 'Science and Civilisation in China' chapter on mathematics after its rewriting following comments by Wu Shih-Chang [??? / Wu Shichang]. Some of the notes are written on the reverse of letters received by Wang. See SCC2/64/38.
Creator: Wang Ling.
11 sheets; Paper. |
1958 |
|
40
|
Typescript of part of the 'Influences and Transmissions' section of 'Science and Civilisation in China, Volume 3' and related notes by Joseph Needham. Needham notes 'added to end of Maths (Transmissions) Sept 54 after WL's paper to Int. Congress'.
3 sheets; Paper. |
Sep. 1954 |
|
41
|
Correspondence with Kurt Mahler of the Department of Mathematics, University of Manchester, about his interest in Chinese mathematics and the 'Science and Civilisation in China' project and related correspondence with others. The documents discuss Mahler's study of Chinese and his desire to read Chinese mathematical texts; proofreading of the mathematics chapter of 'Science and Civilisation in China; Wang Ling's doctorate on the mathematics of the Han dynasty. The related correspondence comprises a note from [?] Newman of Comberton, Cambridgeshire forwarding two letters from Mahler about the possibility of meeting Joseph Needham; copy of a letter from Needham to Kuo Mo-Jo [??? / Guo Moruo] of Academia Sinica, Peking asking if he could send copies of Chinese mathematical classics for Mahler; letter from Hua Luo-Keng [??? / Hua Luogeng] of Academia Sinica Mathematical Institute, advising Needham that the books have been sent to Mahler.
Creator: Mahler, Kurt; Needham, Joseph; Hua Luo-Keng.
18 sheets; Paper. |
15 Jan. 1949–13 Sep. 1954 |
|
42
|
Joseph Needham's notes of references in literature explained by knowledge of counting rods.
2 sheets; Paper. |
1950–1955 |
|
43
|
Joseph Needham's list of photographs 'wanted from library [Cambridge University Library]' to illustrate the section of 'Science and Civilisation in China, Volume 3' on mathematics.
2 sheets; Paper. |
1950–1955 |
|
44
|
Letter from H. Michel of Brussels, Belgium, responding to a Joseph Needham request for an illustration of a Chinese slide-rule for the section on mathematics in 'Science and Civilisation in China, Volume 3' and notes by Joseph Needham. The photograph is Figure 68 of the published volume.
Creator: Michel, H.; Needham, Joseph.
2 sheets; Paper. |
20 Dec. 1954 |
|
45
|
Joseph Needham note made at a 'Florence congress' concerning the work of Seki Kowa.
1 document; Paper. |
1950–1955 |
|
46
|
Copy of a letter to D. E. Stapleton in Jersey responding to questions about the 'magic squares and the Ming Thang' and the origin of the game 'noughts and crosses'.
1 document; Paper. |
1 Oct. 1956 |
|
47
|
Copy of an article by Kwan Chao-Chih [Kuan Chao-Chih] entitled 'The History of Mathematics in Ancient China', ('People's China', 1956).
Creator: Kwan Chao-Chih.
2 sheets; Paper. |
1956 |
|
48
|
Letter fom Lancelot L. White of London, asking for help to locate a painting 'which could serve as a symbol of chirality from a Chinese source' and copy of Joseph Needham's reply.
Creator: White, Lancelot L.; Needham, Joseph.
3 sheets; Paper. |
16 Jan. 1957–4 Feb. 1957 |
|
49
|
Joseph Needham's notes about the 'earliest (bronze) mention of the Chiu Chang Suan Shu [???? / Jiu Zhang Suan Shu]'.
2 sheets; Paper. |
1950–1955 |
|
50
|
Typed 'Memorandum on the indeterminate analysis used by I-Hsing [?? / Yi Xing], (728), in his calendar calculations' and attached notes on other related subjects. The notes are mostly by Wang Ling, though some are by JN. The other collections of notes are headed 'Paraphrase of the calculations in Chhin Chiu-Shao's [??? / Qin Jiushao] 'Shu Shu Shiu Chang' [???? / Shu Shu Jiu Zhang]', (1247); 'The problem of I-Hsing [?? / Yi Xing] worked out in strict accordance with Chhin Chiu-Shao's [??? / Qin Jiushao] steps'; 'Generalised terminology of indeterminate analysis'. These notes are the same as those catalogued as SCC2/65/3/3, though both have different annotations.
Creator: Wang Ling; Needham, Joseph.
31 sheets; Paper. |
1955–1957 |
|
51
|
Letter from Prof. Vladimir Korinek of the Institute of Mathematics, Charles University, Prague, Czechoslovakia, thanking Joseph Needham for papers on mathematics in China.
Creator: Korinek, Vladimir.
1 document; Paper. |
9 Aug. 1957 |
|
52
|
Letter from Charles Curwen of Collet's Chinese Bookshop, London, advising Joseph Needham of a Chinese student writing a thesis on the abacus. The documents also include a copy of Needham's letter to the student, C. H. Kiu of Bristol.
Creator: Curwen, Charles; Needham, Joseph.
2 sheets; Paper. |
15 Nov. 1957 |
|
53
|
Correspondence with Kurt Mahler at the University of Colorado, U.S.A., about his paper on the Chinese Remainder Theorem and discussing other matters. Other matters discussed include Joseph and Dorothy Needham's recent visit to Czechoslovakia and Yugoslavia; Mahler's stay in the U.S.A..
Creator: Mahler, Kurt; Needham, Joseph.
4 sheets; Paper. |
12 June 1957–7 Jan. 1958 |
|
54
|
Typed notes prepared by George Standart in Prague on Charles Jordan's, 'Calculus of Finite Differences', (New York, 1947).
Creator: Standart, George.
1 document; Paper. |
June 1957 |
|
55
|
Joseph Needham's note of a 'Times' article reporting the electronic calculation of Pi to 10,000 places.
1 document; Paper. |
22 July 1957 |
|
56
|
Letter from Michael R. Tetley of London, thanking Joseph Needham for providing references on the abacus.
Creator: Tetley, Michael R.
2 sheets; Paper. |
21 Dec. 1957 |
|
57
|
Cutting of a published letter to the editor of 'The Listener' from J. T. Davis of Worcester disputing the development of mathematics by the Chinese, Hindus and Arabs in prehistoric times. Joseph Needham has noted that the cutting was 'from Derek Bryan cs. 15/1/58' and that there was 'no action taken'.
1 document; Paper. |
26 Dec. 1957–15 Jan. 1958 |
|
58
|
Copy of a reviews by T. H. Savory published in 'Nature', including a review of Prof. Dirk J Struik's, 'A Concise History of Mathematics', (New York, 1948).
1 document; Paper. |
17 Feb. 1951 |
|
59
|
Two letters from J. D. M. Derret of the School of Oriental and African Studies, London asking for help with his work on the origins of Arabic numerals.
Creator: Derret, J. D. M.
2 sheets; Paper. |
17 Feb. 1958 |
|
60
|
Correspondence with W. French Anderson of Trinity College, Cambridge, about his work on the history of numerical notation systems and related documents. Anderson asks for Joseph Needham's help to explain the Chinese system. The related documents comprise Anderson's proposal for a paper for the 'Journal of World History'; copy of a letter from Needham to the Secretary-General of the International Commission for a Cultural and Scientific History of Mankind recommending Anderson's contribution to the journal; letter of reply from Guy S. Métraux of the International Commission; copy of a letter from Métraux to French Anderson expressing an interest in publishing his work.
Creator: Anderson, W. French; Needham, Joseph; Métraux, Guy S.
9 sheets; Paper. |
6 Nov. 1958–26 Mar. 1959 |
|
61
|
Correspondence with Prof. Lancelot Hogben of the Department of Medical Statistics, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, about his book 'Mathematics in the Making'. Joseph Needham responds to Hogben's questions on the 'Pythagorean theorem in the 'Chou Pei Suan Ching''; Chinese trigonometry; the relation of positional computations and the zero symbol'.
Creator: Hogben, Lancelot; Needham, Joseph.
6 sheets; Paper. |
8 Apr. 1959–21 Apr. 1959 |
|
62
|
Letter from Prof. A. Yuschkevitch of the Institute of the History of Science and Technology, Academy of Sciences of the U.S.S.R. about the mathematician, al-Khwarizmi and copy of Joseph Needham's reply.
Creator: Yuschkevitch, A.; Needham, Joseph.
3 sheets; Paper. |
4 Dec. 1959–28 Mar. 1960 |
|
63
|
Copy of a paper by ?? [Li Nien / Li Nian] about the Arabic magic square in China, published in «??????» [Wên Wu Tshan Khao Tzu Liao / Wen Wu Can Kao Zi Liao].
2 sheets; Paper. |
1958 |
|
64
|
Joseph Needham's typescript summaries of two works by ?? [Li Nien / Li Nian] published in «??»[Kho Hsüeh / Ke Xue], 1957. The papers are entitled «?????????»and «????????????».
2 sheets; Paper. |
1957 |
|
65
|
Letter from Victor Meally of County Dublin, Eire, commenting on the section on Pi in 'Science and Civilisation in China, Volume 3' and copy of Joseph Needham's reply.
Creator: Meally, Victor; Needham, Joseph.
2 sheets; Paper. |
14 Feb. 1961–14 Mar. 1961 |
|
66
|
Cutting of an anonymous newspaper article entitled ''Pi' can never be worked out'.
1 document; Paper. |
6 May 1961 |
|
67
|
Letter from Dr H. E. Stapleton of Jersey, about the Cuniform word for the plumb-line and other matters and copy of Joseph Needham's reply. Other matters discussed include the Arab alchemist Ibn Umail; Joseph Needham's work on 'Science and Civilisation in China, Volume 4A'.
Creator: Stapleton, H. E.; Needham, Joseph.
3 sheets; Paper. |
12 Apr. 1961–29 May 1961 |
|
68
|
Letter from [?] of Paris, France praising Joseph Needham's work and discussing the progress of his own research.
2 sheets; Paper. |
12 Feb. 1976 |
|
69
|
Illustration of a 'magic squares' calculation by ??? [Fei Hai-Chi / Fei Haiji].
Creator: Fei Hai-Chi.
1 document; Paper. |
12 Oct. 1976 |
|
70
|
Letter from Dr. H. E. Stapleton of Jersey providing detailed notes of a conversation with Li Yen about early Chinese aquaintance with the Pythagorean Theorem and copy of Joseph Needham's reply.
Creator: Stapleton, H. E.; Needham, Joseph.
10 sheets; Paper. |
20 Feb. 1961–15 Mar. 1961 |
|
71
|
Photograph of a section of the al-Hariri manuscript, (1237), illustrating the 'Josephus problem'. Joseph Needham notes on the reverse of the photograph 'from D. S. Rice', 'see letter in Cardan suspension file'.
1 document; Paper. |
1960–1969 |
|
72
|
Letter from Wen Li-Jung [???/ Wen Lirong / Oon Lay-Yong] of Singapore, about her translation of works by Yang Hui [??] and copy of Joseph Needham's reply.
Creator: Wen Li-Jung; Needham, Joseph.
2 sheets; Paper. |
11 July 1961–17 Sep. 1961 |
|
73
|
New China News Agency bulletin article entitled 'Revised Edition of Ancient Chinese Mathematical Books to be Published'.
2 sheets; Paper. |
20 July 1961 |
|
74
|
Note from Victor Meally of County Dublin, Eire, about Chinese puzzles.
Creator: Meally, Victor.
1 document; Paper. |
8 Oct. 1961 |
|
75
|
Letter from M. S. Makower of London noting misprints in 'Science and Civilisation in China, Volume 3'.
Creator: Makower, M. S.
1 document; Paper. |
16 June 1962 |
|
76
|
Letter from Francis Maddison of the Old Ashmolean, Oxford, about the identification of a 'Korean/Chinese device consisting of rods sliding on strings'. The documents also include a copy of a 'Catalogue of Mathematical Instruments' at the Industrial Museum of New York.
Creator: Maddison, Francis.
13 sheets; Paper. |
21 Dec. 1964 |
|
77
|
Joseph Needham's notes on the abacus from Li Shu Hua's [??? / Li Shuhua] «?????», ('Bulletin of the Institute of History and Philology', Academia Sinica, 1960).
2 sheets; Paper. |
1960–1965 |
|
78
|
Letter from G. P. Parry of Colchester, Essex, asking for help to identify ancient Chinese methods of mathematical computation for an article 'on the history that leads to the modern computer' and copy of Joseph Needham's reply. The documents also include a letter from David Hawkes of The Oriental Institute, Oxford about Parry's search for infrormation.
Creator: Parry, G. P.; Needham, Joseph; Hawkes, David.
3 sheets; Paper. |
10 Nov. 1964–23 Feb. 1965 |
|
79
|
Correspondence with Dr. Jacques Payen of the Centre de Documentation d'Histoire des Techniques, Paris, France, about 'two pascal adding machines' preserved in the Imperial Palace Museum in Peking.
Creator: Payen, Jaques; Needham, Joseph.
4 sheets; Paper. |
12 May 1965–21 May 1965 |
|
80
|
Correspondence with Dr. K. Vogel of Munich, Germany about obtaining a copy of Wang Ling's thesis on the mathematics of Han China.
Creator: Vogel, K.; Needham, Joseph.
4 sheets; Paper. |
16 Jan. 1965–11 Feb. 1965 |
|
81
|
Letter from Prof. P. H. Diananda of the Department of Mathematics, University of Singapore, about the examination of the thesis of Wen Li-Jung [???/ Wen Lirong / Oon Lay-Yong] and copy of Joseph Needham's reply.
Creator: Diananda, P. H.; Needham, Joseph.
2 sheets; Paper. |
20 Aug. 1954–8 Oct. 1965 |
|
82
|
Correspondence with U. J. Libbrecht of Belgium about his study of the 'Shu Shu Chiu Zhang [???? / Shu Shu Jiu Zhang]'.
Creator: Libbrecht, U. J.; Needham, Joseph.
9 sheets; Paper. |
28 June 1967–26 Jan. 1972 |
|
83
|
Letter from D. A. Quadling of The Mathematical Association, London, inviting Joseph Needham to lecture on Chinese mathematics at its annual conference and copy of Needham's reply.
Creator: Quadling, D. A.; Needham, Joseph.
2 sheets; Paper. |
29 Sep. 1968–15 Oct. 1968 |
|
84
|
Letter from R. C. Gupta of Ranchi, India, advising Joseph Needham of his work on the history of Indian mathematics and astronomy and asking for any available offprints.
Creator: Gupta, R. C.
1 document; Paper. |
11 Apr. 1969 |
|
85
|
Letter from Prof. Kenneth O. May of the Department of Mathematics, University of Toronto, Canada, about the formation of a Mathematics sub-commission of the International Union for the History and Philosophy of Science and copy of Joseph Needham's reply.
Creator: May, Kenneth O.; Needham, Joseph.
3 sheets; Paper. |
30 July 1969–18 Aug. 1969 |
|
86
|
Letter from B. B. Cooper of Bishop Walsh School, Sutton Coldfield, enquiring about the development of numeral notation, place-value and the zero sign and copy of Joseph Needham's reply.
Creator: Cooper, B. B.; Needham, Joseph.
2 sheets; Paper. |
10 Aug. 1969–18 Aug. 1969 |
|
87
|
Postcard from David [?] in London showing early examples of the 'multiplaction' and 'equals' signs. The postcard is part of the 'Old Ashmolean Series'.
1 document; Paper. |
12 Aug. 1969 |
|
88
|
Letter from Dr. Clas-Olof Selenius of Upsala University, Sweden about his work on mediaeval Indian mathematics.
Creator: Selenius, Clas-Olof.
1 document; Paper. |
16 Oct. 1969 |
|
89
|
Letter from Frank J. Swetz of The Pennsylvania State University, U.S.A., asking for help with his study on the development of mathematical education in China.
Creator: Swetz, Frank J.
1 document; Paper. |
17 Aug. 1970 |
|
90
|
Letter from Kenneth O. May of the University of Toronto, Canada, praising the mathematics section of 'Science and Civilisation in China, Volume 3' and enquiring about people working on the subject and copy of Joseph Needham's reply.
Creator: May, Kenneth O.; Needham, Joseph.
3 sheets; Paper. |
23 Oct. 1970–10 Dec. 1970 |
|
91
|
Letter from H. G. Flegg of the Open University, about the establishment of a course on History of Mathematics and copy of Joseph Needham's reply.
Creator: Flegg, H. G.; Needham, Joseph.
3 sheets; Paper. |
7 Dec. 1972–4 Jan. 1973 |
|
92
|
Letter from William F. Luebbert of the Academic Computer Centre, West Point, New York, U.S.A., asking if he can meet Joseph Needham to discuss 'Chinese aids to computation'.
Creator: Luebbert, William F.
1 document; Paper. |
19 Feb. 1973 |
|
93
|
Letter from Mrs. V. C. Bone of the Clarendon Press, Oxford, asking for Joseph Needham's opinion on a proposed book by Miss. G. Guitel entitled 'Histoire comparée des numérations écrites'.
Creator: Bone, V. C.
2 sheets; Paper. |
19 Sep. 1973 |
|
94
|
Letter from Prof. Kenneth O. May of the Department of Mathematics, University of Toronto, Canada, about the examination of the thesis of Wen Li-Jung [???/ Wen Lirong / Oon Lay-Yong].
Creator: May, Kenneth O.
2 sheets; Paper. |
2 Oct. 1972–3 Jan. 1973 |
|
95
|
Letter from D. E. Wootton of Newbury, Berkshire, advising Joseph Needham of his observation that the introduction of Arabic numerals in Northern Europe coincided with the introduction of the printing press.
Creator: Wootton, D. E.
1 document; Paper. |
13 Feb. 1973–16 Feb. 1973 |
|
96
|
Letter from Olive Griffith of Poole, Dorset, explaining her theory of a similarity between the Arabic and Chinese figures for 0 to 9. Joseph Needham has marked the letter 'unconvincing'.
Creator: Griffith, Olive.
1 document; Paper. |
27 Apr. 1974–29 Apr. 1974 |
|
97
|
Letter from G. Merlane of the Mathematical Association, inviting Joseph Needham to speak on 'Chinese Mathematics' at the Annual Conference and copy of Needham's reply.
Creator: Merlane, G; Needham, Joseph.
2 sheets; Paper. |
4 Mar. 1974–12 Mar. 1974 |
|
98
|
Letter from Nathan Sivin in Japan asking questions for his work on a biography of Shen Kua [?? / Shen Gua] and copy of Joseph Needham's reply.
Creator: Sivin, Nathan; Needham, Joseph.
2 sheets; Paper. |
28 Oct. 1974–24 Nov. 1974 |
|
99
|
Letter from A. F. P. Hulsewé of Leiden, Holland, about the examination of the Ulrich Libbrecht's thesis on 'Shu Shu Chiu Zhang [???? / Shu Shu Jiu Zhang]' and related documents. The related documents comprise a copy of a letter from Nathan Sivin to Hulsewé recommending the work for a degree 'cum laude'; copy of Nathan Sivin's 'draft preface' of the thesis.
Creator: Hulsewé, A. F. P.; Sivin, Nathan.
14 sheets; Paper. |
1 June 1971–23 June 1971 |
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100
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Correspondence with Jack Worlton of the Los Alamos Scientific Research Laboratory, University of California, U.S.A. about Joseph Needham's possible participation in a conference on the history of computing.
Creator: Worlton, Jack; Needham, Joseph.
5 sheets; Paper. |
7 May 1974–18 June 1974 |
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101
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Correspondence with ??? [Tshai Shêng-Thien / Cai Shengtian] in Paris, France, about his work on 'magic squares' and related documents. The related documents comprise a copy of a letter from Joseph Needham to Dr Li Khai-Hsüan of Taipei, Taiwan about his book 'I Shu Chien Shuo'; related notes by Needham.
Creator: Tshai Shêng-Thien; Needham, Joseph.
22 sheets; Paper. |
22 Dec. 1975–30 June 1976 |
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102
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Letter from ??? [Li Khai-Hsüan / Li Kaixuan] of Taipei, Taiwan praising Joseph Needham's work.
Creator: Li Khai-Hsüan.
2 sheets; Paper. |
26 Feb. 1976 |
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103
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Letter from Ronald J. Overman of the National Science Foundation, Washington D.C., U.S.A., to Lu Gwei-Djen about her evaluation of a research proposal by Prof. Frank J. Swetz and related documents. The related documents include a copy of Swetz' research proposal entitled 'Societal Influence on the Development of Mathematical Thought in Han China: the Testimony of the 'Chiu Chang Suan Shu''; copy of Swetz' curriculum vitae; copy of the evaluation statement prepared by Lu Gwei-Djen.
Creator: Overman, Ronald J.; Swetz, Frank J.; Lu Gwei-Djen.
20 sheets; Paper. |
11 June 1976–27 Oct. 1976 |
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104
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Correspondence relating to Joseph Needham's possible attendance at Aryabhata conference in New Dehli, India. The corerspondents are Dr. Vijayendra R. Shastry of the Indian Association for History and Philosophy of Science, J. J. P. Deverill of The Royal Society and B. V. Subbarayappa of the Indian National Science Academy.
Creator: Shastry, Vijayendra R.; Deverill, J. J. P.; Subbarayappa, B. V.
10 sheets; Paper. |
24 Mar. 1976–29 Oct. 1976 |
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105
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Copy of a letter to Donald B. Wagner of the Scandanavian Institute of Asian Studies, Demark, providing contact information for two people researching the history of mathematics in China and related notes by Joseph Needham. The two researchers are J. Hoe [??? / Hsieh Yuan-Tso / Xie Yuanzou] and Herman Berg.
2 sheets; Paper. |
30 May 1977 |
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106
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'Abstracts for Visiting Lectures 1977: Ivor Grattan-Guiness'. This printed leaflet was produced by The New Zealand Mathematical Society.
1 document; Paper. |
1977 |
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107
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Letter from Victor Meally of County Dublin, Eire, about an entry in D. E. Smith's, 'History of Mathematics' concerning Tung Ch'üan.
Creator: Meally, Victor.
2 sheets; Paper. |
17 Nov. 1977–27 July 1978 |
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108
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Letter from I-Lok Chang of the Department of Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science, American University, Washington D.C., U.S.A., about his work on 'Suan Ching Shih Shu' [???? / Suan Jing Shi Shu].
Creator: Chang, I-Lok.
2 sheets; Paper. |
27 July 1978–23 Aug. 1978 |
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109
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Letter from J. R. P. Sperling of Ipswich, about his work on quaternions and the multiplication of Ba Gua [?? / Pa Kua] and copy of Joseph Needham's reply.
Creator: Sperling, J. R. P.; Needham, Joseph.
3 sheets; Paper. |
25 Feb. 1979–6 Mar. 1979 |
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110
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Postcard from Herman Berg asking for Joseph Needham's advice for a forthcoming exchange trip to China.
Creator: Berg, Herman.
1 document; Paper. |
9 Apr. 1979 |
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111
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Correspondence with Philip Shen [??? / Shen Hsüan-Jên / Shen Xuanren] about geometrical paper folding and related documents. The related documents include a copy of a related letter from Tsuen-hsiun Tsien of Chicago, Illinois, U.S.A. to Shen; example of the paper folding; related notes by Joseph Needham.
Creator: Shen, Philip; Needham, Joseph; Tsien Tsuen-hsiun.
7 pieces; Paper. |
14 Dec. 1979–1 Mar. 1980 |
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112
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Letter from William Evans of the Department of Theology, University of Bristol, thanking Joseph Needham for sending details of a Chinese visitor.
Creator: Evans, William.
1 document; Paper. |
10 July 1980 |
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113
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Letter from I. Stengers, S. Pahuat and K. Chemla of Brussels, Belgium, asking for advice on how to approach Chinese scientific institutions and asking if they can visit Joseph Needham to discuss. The documents also include notes on the research interests of each of the visitors, (8 July 1980).
Creator: Stengers, I.; Pahuat, S.; Chemla, K.
4 sheets; Paper. |
17 June 1980–8 July 1980 |
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114
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Letter from ?? [Pheng Hsi / Peng Xi] of Gansu, China, about his paper on 'Preliminary Observations on Chinese Mathematics in High Antiquity' and copy of Joseph Needham's reply.
Creator: Pheng Hsi; Needham, Joseph.
6 sheets; Paper. |
10 July 1980–18 July 1980 |
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115
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Letter from Elena di Stef[?] of the Instituto Matematico, Rome, Italy, about her study of Chinese mathematics.
2 sheets; Paper. |
25 Mar. 1981 |
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116
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Letter from J. N. Crossley of Monash University, Victoria, Australia, about his work on a 'Concise History of Chinese Mathematics' and copy of Joseph Needham's reply. The documents alos include a note of a telephone call from Crossley saying that he will vist the East Asian History of Science Library, Cambridge.
Creator: Crossley, J. N.; Needham, Joseph.
3 sheets; Paper. |
5 Oct. 1981–23 Sept. 1982 |
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117
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Letter from Sydney Afriat of All Souls College, Oxford, forwarding a list of planned activities and discussing publications and mutual aquaintances.
Creator: Afriat, Sydney.
2 sheets; Paper. |
28 July 1982 |
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118
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Part of a letter from Prof. C. C. Lin [??? / Lin Tsung-Chou / Lin Congzhou] about the translation of 7 mathematical terms into English and related notes.
Creator: Lin, C. C.
3 sheets; Paper. |
1980–1984 |
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119
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Letter from Ko-Wei Lih [??? / Li Kuo-Wei / Li Guowei] of the Institute of Mathematics, Academia Sinica about the importance of the work of amateur mathematician, ??? [Pao Chhi-Shou / Bao Qishou] on magic configurations and copy of Joseph Needham's reply.
Creator: Lih Ko-Wei; Needham, Joseph.
2 sheets; Paper. |
26 Oct. 1983–11 Feb. 1984 |
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120
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Letter from Anthony Watkinson of Oxford University Press, asking for Joseph Needham's opinion on Prof. John Crossley's translation and condensation of a book by Li Nien on the history of Chinese mathematics and copy of Needham's reply.
Creator: Watkinson, Anthony; Needham, Joseph.
2 sheets; Paper. |
23 Mar. 1984–4 Apr. 1984 |
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121
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Correspondence with Prof. Wang Ji-Sheng of Beijing, China, about the possible publication of his book, 'The Connections of Ancient and Modern Mathematics' and related documents. The related documents include a letter from Richard Mason of Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge, giving his opinion of the book.
Creator: Wang Ji-Sheng; Needham, Joseph; Mason, Richard.
6 sheets; Paper. |
23 Mar. 1984–1 June 1984 |
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122
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Letter from Dr. H. J. M. Bos of the University of Utrecht, The Netherlands to Lu Gwei-Djen about Chinese historians of mathematics who might be invited to speak at an International Congress. The documents also include a copy of reply from Gregory Blue on behalf of Lu and Joseph Needham.
Creator: Bos, H. J. M.; Blue, Gregory.
3 sheets; Paper. |
4 Mar. 1985–1 Apr. 1985 |
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123
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Letter from Prof. Sydney Afriat in Ottawa, Canada about possible subjects for a spell of teaching in China, copy of Joseph Needham's reply and related documents. Afriat suggests he might lecture on 'digital thought in Ancient China' or 'mathematical economics'. The related documents comprise a copy of a letter from Daqing University inviting Afrist to teach there; copy of a notice describing Afriat's book, 'Logic of Choice and Economic Theory'.
Creator: Afriat, Sydney; Needham, Joseph.
6 sheets; Paper. |
24 Oct. 1985–3 Dec. 1985 |
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124
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Correspondence with Tu Shih-Jan [??? / Du Shiran] of Academia Sinica about Joseph Needham's foreword for a book written with ?? [Li Nien / Li Nian] entitled 'Short History of Mathematics' and related documents. The work has been translated in to English by J. N. Crossley of Monash University, Australia. The related documents comprise a copy of Needham's foreword; correspondence between Needham and Richard Lawrence of Oxford University Press. [See SCC2/64/116, 120 for related documents].
Creator: Tu Shih-Jan; Needham, Joseph; Lawrence, Richard.
9 sheets; Paper. |
1 Apr. 1986–12 May 1986 |
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125
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Letter from ??? [Sun Shou-Kang / Sun Shoukang] of the National Northwest Teachers' College, Kansu, China, about his research work and copy of Joseph Needham's reply.
Creator: Sun Shou-Kang; Needham, Joseph.
3 sheets; Paper. |
8 June 1986–19 July 1986 |
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126
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Correspondence with Bai Shangshu of Beijing Normal University about a symposium to commemorate the 740th anniversary of Qin Jiushao's 'Mathematical Treatise in 9 chapters' and related documents. Bai's letters are addressed to Lu Gwei-Djen as well as Needham. The related documents comprise printed information about the event; letter from Liwen Liu [?] about the event.
Creator: Bai Shangshu; Needham, Joseph; Liu Liwen.
12 sheets; Paper. |
13 Sep. 1986–12 May 1987 |
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127
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Letter from Lam Lay-Yong [??? / Wen Li-Jung / Wen Lirong] of the University of Singapore, about the promotion policy of the University and the likelihood that she would not be made professor because she is a historian of mathematics and related documents. The related documents include a copy of a letter prepared by Lam to send to other historians of science to gauge their opinion on the matter; copy of Needham's reply; copy of a letter from Needham 'to whom it may concern' stating that he hopes 'this absurd distinction between mathematics and the history of mathematics will be recognised for the nonsense it is.'.
Creator: Lam Lay-Yong; Needham, Joseph.
6 sheets; Paper. |
21 Apr. 1987–29 May 1987 |
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128
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Correspondence relating to work by ??? [Chhên Tzu-Pin / Chen Zibin] of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on the subject of 'Ho Lo/Eight Trigrams' and attached photograph. The correspondents are Chhên himself and other correspondents introducing Chhên's work. These are William Lue Hsi-ming of the Tapei International Convention Center; Chung Chen Sun of the Malaysian Institute of Art. The photograph shows Joseph Needham and one other person, possibly one of the correspondents.
Creator: Chhên Tzu-Pin; Lue Hsi-Ming; Chung Chen Sun.
11 pieces; Paper and photograph. |
22 July 1987–2 Sep. 1987 |
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129
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Correspondence with Lam Lay-Yong [??? / Wen Li-Jung / Wen Lirong] of the University of Singapore about her work on the history of our numeral system.
Creator: Lam Lay-Yong; Needham, Joseph.
4 sheets; Paper. |
12 Feb. 1988–1 Aug. 1988 |
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130
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Letter from Huang Chenggui of Tianjin Normal University, China originally accompanying a copy of his thesis 'Modi found Archimedean Axiom well before Archimedes'.
Creator: Huang Chenggui.
1 document; Paper. |
25 Jan. 1988 |
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131
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Letter from Dr. J. Fang, retired editor of the journal 'Philosophia Mathematica', U.S.A., requesting permission to publish a letter received from Joseph Needham in 1988. The documents also include a copy of Needham's reply; copy of the letter in question. The letter was written in response to Fang's paper on 'formal logic and 'mathesis universalis''.
Creator: Frang, J.; Needham, Joseph.
5 sheets; Paper. |
5 Dec. 1990–23 Dec. 1990 |
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132
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Correspondence with Dr. Tuchar K. Nag of Oregan, U.S.A. about his book 'Modern Civilization and Living Ancient Mathematics' and the zero and negative numbers in China.
Creator: Nag, Tuchar K.; Needham, Joseph.
8 sheets; Paper. |
15 Sep. 1990–2 Dec. 1990 |
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133
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Related bibliographical references and brief notes.
94 sheets; Paper. |
1945–1989 |
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134
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Joseph Needham's original file title.
1 document; Paper. |
1945–1955 |
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