Principles of Hindu Reckoning. A Translation with Introduction and Notes by Martin Levey and Marvin Petruck of the Kitab fi usul hisab al-hind.

Labban, Kushyar Ibn

Published by University of Wisconsin Press, Madison, Wisconsin, 1965

About this Item

A publication in the University of Wisconsin 'Medieval Science' series; 40 page introduction followed by photographic copies of the Arabic manuscript, with English translation on the facing page. The tenth and eleventh centuries saw the apogee of Arabic science, and particularly in mathematics this was a fruitful period. From the time of al-Khwarizmi, in the ninth century, a succession of Arabic mathematicians made original contributions to the algorismic development of the fundamental arithmetical operations. Among these was Kushyar ibn Labban, whose Principles of Hindu Reckoning, here translated, is the oldest surviving mathematical text in Arabic using Hindu numerals. Kushyar, a Persian who wrote in the late tenth and early eleventh centuries, was primarily known as an astronomer, but he was influential in mathematics and was the teacher of the well-known algorist al-Nasawi. His Principles of Hindu Reckoning is one of the most important of the Arabic arithmetical treatises. In it Kushyar displays considerable originality, particularly in his grasp of the sexagesimal system, which he discusses in the second half of the text, and in his concept of "marks," both of which were definite steps in the development of exponents. Study of his work and that of other Islamic mathematicians who preceded & followed him suggests that the Arabs were not merely transmitters of other cultures but made significant contributions of their own. Size: 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall. xii + 114. Binding is tight, covers and spine fully intact. Dust Jacket is in as new condition, apart from normal shop shelf wear - contains no tears or chips or other damage. Dust Jacket price-clipped. Gilt titles spine. blue cloth. Includes glossary & index. Quantity Available: 1. Shipped Weight: Under 500 grams. Category: Mathematics; Medieval Science; Arabic Mathematics; Arithmetic; India; Medieval 10th to 11th centuries; Science & Technology. Inventory No: 4302. Member of the P.B.F.A. Seller Inventory # 4302

Bibliographic Details

Title: Principles of Hindu Reckoning. A Translation...

Publisher: University of Wisconsin Press, Madison, Wisconsin

Publication Date: 1965

Binding: Hardcover (Original Cloth)

Condition: Fine

Dust Jacket Condition: Fine

Edition: First Edition.