Rethinking the Ancient Mathematical Text: Ming-Qing Scholars’ Critical Reflections on The Gnomon of the Zhou [Dynasty]

European mathematics was introduced to China since the late sixteenth century. From then on, Chinese scholars used it as a tool to study traditional Chinese mathematics. They paid great attention to The Gnomon of the Zhou [Dynasty], the oldest Chinese mathematical book. This chapter first explains the views of Xu Guangqi (1562–1633) on The Gnomon of the Zhou [Dynasty]. Then it analyzes why the Kangxi Emperor (1654–1722) and the Qing mathematician Mei Wending (1633–1721) were interested in the study and elaboration of Chinese mathematical texts, especially The Gnomon of the Zhou [Dynasty]. The chapter further examines why the French Jesuits Dominique Parrenin (1665–1741) and Antoine Gaubil (1689–1759) were interested in the ancient history of Chinese mathematics and how they influenced Voltaire’s views of Chinese history. It also discusses the influence of Ming-Qing scholars’ views in the mid-eighteenth and early nineteenth century.