On the early History of Algebra. 



By EDWARD STRACHEY, Es S . 



.F it were as generally known- as it is certainly true, that there is a 

 fine field for oriental research in the mathematical sciences, and that it is 

 <easy of access, the subject would not be so much neglected as it is at 

 present. 



Four years ago I printed at Calcutta, some observations on the ma- 

 thematical sciences of the Hindus. In that tract I proved, that an exten- 

 sive and accurate knowledge of the Algebra of the Hindus might be had, 

 by means of translations, extant in the Persian language, of certain 

 Sanscrit books. As the Persian language is understood by most of the 

 Company's civil servants in Bengal, I conceived that a consideration of 

 the fact might induce persons who were competent to such studies, to 

 direct their attention to them. Of the Bija Ganita, or Hindu Algebra of 

 Bha'scara Acha'rya, I have sent home a full account, which I suppose 

 must have been published by this time. In that account (derived en« 



