Modern Math's Early Days in China: Pioneers and Visitors
ChinaFriday, November 15, 2024
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China's history is rich with ancient mathematical achievements, but modern math made its way to the country much later. The first university in China was established in 1895, and the first math department opened in 1913. Early in the 20th century, many Chinese students ventured to Europe, the US, and Japan to study modern math. They returned home with new knowledge and set up math departments in Chinese universities. By the 1930s, several of these universities had math departments. Around this time, prominent mathematicians from Europe and the US came to China. These visits, including those of Wilhelm Blaschke, George Birkhoff, William Osgood, Norbert Wiener, and Jacques Hadamard, greatly influenced math development in China. Their trips were not just about math; they also became social events. This story explores the impact of these visits on China's math progress.
