『万用不求算』の謎 (The study of the history of mathematics 2016)

Abstract

Man'yofukyuzan(万用不求算) has many mysteries. 1. When comparing the wasan book with both "Jinkoki(塵劫記)" and "Jugairoku(竪亥 録)", it is very unique in point of its purpose and form. 2. On this book 〇 as vacancy(空位) appeared for the first time in history of wasan. This 〇 as vacancy was very epoch making, and later leading wasan books, for example "Sanso(算俎)", "Samopofutudankai(算法勿憚改)" and "Katsuyosampo(括要算法)" adopted 〇 as vacancy. 3. A writer of this book is unknown. Even in the early years of Edo period, writer's names were written clearly except "Sanyoki(算用記)" owned by Ryukoku University and Tenri University. 4. "Man'yofukyuzan(万用不求算)" presents us a new mystery of circumstance on publication of publisher(書林板元). This monograph will make the mystery clear by mentioning the relation between commercial publication appeared in Kyoto on early Edo era and wasan books.