Research Article
A Distinctive Way of Integration: The Main Portion of Xue Fengzuo’s Lixue huitong Revisited
University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei
Published: August 2015 · Vol. 37 No. 2 · pp. 499-514
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Abstract
In his voluminous collectanea Lixue huitong 曆學會通(An Integration of Calendri-cal Learning), the famous astronomer and mathematician, Xue Fengzuo 薛鳳祚, tried to integrate different systems of calendrical astronomy, both Chinese and Western, ancient and recent. The result of his integration is the “New Chinese Method” (xin zhongfa 新中法) in the Main Portion of the Lixue huitong. Three aspects in Xue Fengzuo’s integrating work attract our attention. First of all, his “New Chinese Method” is an integration of the four major systems: the Shoushi li 授時曆, the Huihui li 回回曆, the Chongzhen lishu 崇禎曆書, and the astronomical part of the Tianbu zhenyuan 天步眞原. Secondly, in the “New Chinese Method”, Xue Fengzuo makes as many adjustments as possible to make the system “Chinese.” Finally, he adds the procedures needed in the calculation of the astrological notes (lizhu 曆注) in the almanac and other astrological applications. In fact, Xue Fengzuo’s integration had close connection with the age he lived, and his distinctive way of integration is a response to the dissemination of European astronomy and astrology in China.