Jost Bürgi's methods of calculating sines, and possible transmission from India
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Date
2019-05-06
Publication Type
Journal Article
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yes
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Abstract
A few years ago, a manuscript by Jost Bürgi (1552–1632) was brought to scholarly attention, which included an ingenious sine calculation method. The purpose of this paper is to discuss two aspects of this manuscript. First, we wish to improve the current understanding of Bürgi’s method of sine calculation, especially with respect to the calculation of sines at a resolution of 1 min. Second, we wish to suggest a possible transfer of knowledge between India’s Kerala School of mathematical astronomy and Bürgi. The evidence for the latter seems to be stronger than the evidence for other available case studies, but still revolves mainly around analogies, and can therefore not be considered as conclusive proof of transmission. We also append a translation of the relevant chapter of Bürgi’s treatise.
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published
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Volume
73 (3)
Pages / Article No.
243 - 260
Publisher
Springer
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Software
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09591 - Wagner, Roy / Wagner, Roy
Notes
It was possible to publish this article open access thanks to a Swiss National Licence with the publisher.