• Journal for History of Mathematics
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• v.18 no.4
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• pp.1-16
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• 2005

Chosun dynasty mathematician Park Yul (1621 - ?) wrote San Hak Won Bon(算學原本) which was posthumously published in 1700 by his son Park Du Se (朴斗世). It is the first mathematics book whose publishing date is known, although we have Muk Sa Jib San Bub (默思集算法) by Gyung Sun Jing (慶善徵, 1616-?). San Hak Won Bon is the first Chosun book which deals with tian yuan shu (天元術) and was quoted by many Chosun authors. We do find it in the library in Korea University. In this paper, we investigate its contents together with its historical significance and influences to the development of Chosun dynasty Mathematics and conclude that Park Yul is one of the most prominent Chosun dynasty mathematicians.