No label defined (Q4489435)

The author discusses the method of solving non-binomial cubic equations (i.e. of the form \(x^{3} + a = bx\)) used by the algebraist Sharaf Al-Din Al-Tusi (Iran, end of 12th century, beginning of 13th century). It includes the research of maxima which led \textit{R. Rashed} [Arch. Hist. Exact Sci. 12, 244-290 (1974; Zbl 0341.01003)] to conclude on the existence of a notion of derivative as an integrative part in Al-Tusi's solution of cubic equations. Bao tends to support \textit{J. P. Hogendijk}'s position [Hist. Math. 16, No. 1, 69-85 (1989; Zbl 0672.01005)], who rejects the use of a notion of derivative in Al-Tusi's work. Without giving further historical details, the author merely argues that ``on one hand, at that period the mathematical knowledge and the actual background did not yet provide mature conditions for the emergence of a notion of derivative. Although the notions of infinitesimals and limit had already existed earlier, but the development was not yet ripe at that time, the knowledge of their true nature not yet deep enough, and practical techniques did not yet need urgently enough such kind of theory. On the other hand,'' the author states, ``the lack of a symbolic system and the influence of traditional ideas also hindered people's investigation into such a theory.'' Bao sees the main difference with Greek geometric algebra in Al-Tusi's use of the idea of function and concludes his paper by drawing (as Rashed) a similarity with G. Cardano's (1501-1576) use of affine transformations on solving cubic equations in the \textit{Ars Magna}. The brief bibliography given at the end of the article only quotes secondary material. Presumably the author did not work on the only original manuscript preserved in the Library of the India Office in London, a copy of the \textit{Treatise on equations} which is a summary of Al-Tusi's \textit{Algebra} compiled by an anonymous author.