Algebra, with Arithmetic and Mensuration
From the Sanscrit of Brahmegupta and Bhascara

An 1817 compilation of English translations of classic works by the Indian mathematicians Brahmagupta (598–668) and Bhascara (1114–85).

Brahmagupta (Author), H. T. Colebrooke (Translated by)

9781108055109, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 18 April 2013

476 pages
25.4 x 17.8 x 2.4 cm, 0.82 kg

The scholar and East India Company administrator Henry Thomas Colebrooke (1765–1837) brought India's rich mathematical heritage to the attention of the wider world with the publication of this book in 1817. Based on Sanskrit texts, it contains English translations of classic works by the Indian mathematicians and astronomers Brahmagupta (598–668) and Bhascara (1114–85), who were instrumental thinkers in the development of algebra. Included here are translations of chapters 12 and 18 of Brahmagupta's best-known work, Brahmasphutasiddhanta, focusing on arithmetic and algebra respectively. Also included in this book are translations of two of the greatest works by Bhascara: Lilavati, his treatise on arithmetic, and Bijaganita, on algebra. Furthermore, Colebrooke's introduction aims to position the Indian advancement of algebra in relation to its development by the Greeks and Arabs.

Dissertation
Part I. Bhascara: 1. Introductions
2. Invocation
3. Miscellaneous
4. Mixture
5. Progression
6. Plane figure
7. Excavations and contents of solids
8. Stacks
9. Saw
10. Mounds of grain
11. Shadow of a gnomon
12. Pulverizer
13. Combination
Part II. Algebra: 1. Invocation
2. Pulverizer
3. Affected square
4. Simple equation
5. Quadratic, etc., equations
6. Multilateral equations
7. Varieties of quadratics
8. Equation involving a factum of unknown quantities
9. Conclusion
Part III. Brahmegupta: 1. Arithmetic
2. Algebra.

Subject Areas: History of mathematics [PBX]