Indian Science and Technology in the Eighteenth Century: Some Contemporary European Accounts c13.53

c13.53

On the subject of demonstrations, it is to be remarked that the Hindu mathematicians proved propositions both algebraically, and geometrically: as is particularly noticed by Bhascara himself, towards the close of his Algebra, where he gives both modes of proof of a remarkable method for the solution of indeterminate problems, which involve a factum of two unknown quantities. The rule, which he demonstrates, is of great antiquity in Hindu Algebra: being found in the works of his predecessor Brahmegupta, and being there a quotation from a more ancient treatise; for it is injudiciously censured, and a less satisfactory method by unrestricted arbitrary assumption given in its place. Bhascara has retained both.