Nine Chapters, Flowing Embroidered Ribbon: Commemorating Liu Hui, the Founding Father of Classical Chinese Mathematics

Nine Chapters, Flowing Embroidered Ribbon: Commemorating Liu Hui, the Founding Father of Classical Chinese MathematicsOn October 22, 2024, during the opening ceremony of the World Science and Technology Development Forum, a special exhibition titled "Nine Chapters, Flowing Embroidered Ribbon: Liu Hui, the Founding Father of Classical Chinese Mathematics" officially opened at the Chinese Scientists Museum. Over 100 scientists and heads of international scientific organizations from around the world gathered to witness this grand event commemorating Liu Hui, the great ancient Chinese mathematician

Nine Chapters, Flowing Embroidered Ribbon: Commemorating Liu Hui, the Founding Father of Classical Chinese Mathematics

On October 22, 2024, during the opening ceremony of the World Science and Technology Development Forum, a special exhibition titled "Nine Chapters, Flowing Embroidered Ribbon: Liu Hui, the Founding Father of Classical Chinese Mathematics" officially opened at the Chinese Scientists Museum. Over 100 scientists and heads of international scientific organizations from around the world gathered to witness this grand event commemorating Liu Hui, the great ancient Chinese mathematician.

This special exhibition is an integral part of the Liu Hui Birth Anniversary Commemoration activities, aiming to showcase to the world the remarkable scientific achievements, profound scientific thoughts, and outstanding contributions to human civilization of ancient Chinese sages, represented by Liu Hui. The event is organized by the China Association for Science and Technology (CAST) and the Chinese National Commission for UNESCO, hosted by CAST Science and Technology Communication Center, with academic support from the Institute of Natural Science History of the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

Liu Hui, a mathematical giant from the Wei and Jin Dynasties, is hailed as a world-renowned mathematical authority and a key figure in laying the foundation for classical Chinese mathematics. His era coincided with the flourishing of "The Nine Chapters on the Mathematical Art," a mathematical classic that encapsulates the major achievements of algorithmic mathematics from the pre-Qin to the Western Han Dynasty. Liu Hui dedicated himself to studying "The Nine Chapters on the Mathematical Art" for an extended period, drawing inspiration from ancient Chinese texts, ultimately completing a groundbreaking annotated version titled "Annotations to the Nine Chapters on the Mathematical Art," which laid a solid theoretical foundation for ancient Chinese mathematics.

With Liu Hui's academic achievements, inventions, academic spirit, and his origins and influence as the main thread, the exhibition unfolds in five chapters, revealing Liu Hui's significant contributions and scientific thoughts to the audience. The exhibition encompasses a series of groundbreaking mathematical achievements created by Liu Hui, including the method of cutting a circle, the "Mouhe Fanggai" (sphere-cylinder problem), the Liu Hui Principle, and the measurement system based on the "Chongcha Shu" (method of double differences).

The exhibition integrates major archaeological discoveries and recent research findings, utilizing abundant historical materials from ancient texts, aiming for rigorous scientific accuracy. In design, the exhibition incorporates traditional Wei and Jin culture, book carving, Guqin (ancient Chinese zither), poetry recitation, character scene art, and scientific sculptural design, showcasing the unique charm of classical Chinese culture. The exhibition creates an immersive scientific and humanistic space, guiding the audience to appreciate the beauty of mathematics within Chinese traditional culture and to experience the profound excellence of Liu Hui's mathematical creations.

In November 2023, the 42nd session of the UNESCO General Conference approved a series of commemorative events for Liu Hui's birth anniversary, as recommended by CAST. On September 24, 2024, the Liu Hui Birth Anniversary Commemoration activities officially commenced at UNESCO headquarters in Paris, France. This marks the first time China has held commemorative events centered around the birth anniversary of a scientist at UNESCO headquarters, drawing global attention to the great scientific achievements and exceptional scientific thoughts of this ancient sage. From September 23 to 27 of the same year, the "Nine Chapters, Flowing Embroidered Ribbon: Liu Hui, the Founding Father of Classical Chinese Mathematics" special exhibition was held at the Cordeliers Space in Paris, France, further deepening the international community's understanding and recognition of ancient Chinese mathematics, while also providing a platform for Chinese scientists to engage in international scientific and humanistic exchange.

The successful holding of the "Nine Chapters, Flowing Embroidered Ribbon" special exhibition is not only a tribute to Liu Hui, the great mathematician, but also a significant showcase of the achievements of ancient Chinese mathematics. It not only inherits the excellent traditional Chinese culture but also demonstrates the brilliant achievements of the Chinese people in the field of science, contributing its part to the advancement of human civilization.

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