The second person in modern Chinese history to obtain a doctorate in mathematics, Jiang Lifu established essential academic infrastructure for the field during the early twentieth century.
Early Education and Doctoral Research
Jiang completed his elementary schooling in Wenzhou followed by secondary education in Hangzhou. He later earned a Bachelor of Science in mathematics from the University of California, Berkeley, in 1915. Progressing to Harvard University in 1916, he completed his doctoral studies under the supervision of Julian Coolidge in 1919. This academic achievement marked a milestone in the development of the discipline within China.
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In 1920, Jiang founded the department of mathematics at Nankai University. This initiative represented the first mathematics department at a private university in modern Chinese history and the second overall at any university in the country. By 1923, he led the mathematical terminology review committee for the Science Society of China, resulting in the publication of the first systematic dictionary of mathematical terminology in China.
International Research and Administrative Roles
Jiang continued his research internationally, attending the University of Hamburg in 1934 and the University of Göttingen from 1935 to 1936. During World War II, he served as chairman of the Neo-China Mathematics Society at the National Southwestern Associated University starting in 1940. Following the war, he directed the Institute of Mathematics of Academia Sinica in 1947 and gained election as an academician of the Academia Sinica in 1948.
Teaching and Legacy
Throughout his career, Jiang held positions at Sun Yat-sen University, Nankai University, and the National Southwestern Associated University. He instructed prominent mathematicians, including Shiing-shen Chern, who credited his specialization in geometry to Jiang's teaching. Jiang's son, Jiang Boju, later became a notable leader in the field of topology and the founding dean of the School of Mathematical Sciences at Peking University.
Fast facts
- Born: 1890, Pingyang County
- Died: 1978, Guangzhou
- Education: University of California, Harvard University
- Key Employers: Nankai University, Sun Yat-sen University, National Southwestern Associated University
- Academic Achievement: Founding director of the Institute of Mathematics of Academia Sinica
- Son: Jiang Boju
Questions readers ask
What was Jiang Lifu's role in Chinese mathematical terminology?
He chaired the Science Society of China's terminology committee, which published the first systematic dictionary of mathematical terms in modern China.
Where did Jiang Lifu teach during his career?
He held academic positions at Sun Yat-sen University, Nankai University, and the National Southwestern Associated University.
Achievements
- Held posts at Sun Yat-sen University, Nankai University and National Southwestern Associated University
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