On the Spherical Trigonometry of Jo Hui-sun II

Abstract

This paper is a continuation of the authors’ previous work of the same title, which focused on Jo Hui-sun’s Sanhag Seubyu. We analyze the development of Joseon mathematics at the conclusion of this process of adopting Western mathematics. Joseon began the research on the Shixian Calendar (時憲歷) in the mid 17th century. This resulted in the mathematical development in the 19th century Joseon which in- cudes Jo Hui-sun’s Sanhag Seubyu. Notably, Sanhag Seubyu demonstrates that wide spread was there a unique strategy developed in Joseon to adopt and apply ad- vanced mathematics beyond the traditional level. This paper explores the content of Chapters 4, 5, and 6 among the seven chapters of Sanhag Seubyu, which reveals the unique characteristic of Joseon mathematics.