Li Shanlan

Li Shanlan

 also known as Li Renshu or Li Qiuren

(born Jan. 2, 1811, Haining, Zhejiang province, China—died Dec. 9, 1882, China) Chinese mathematician. He mastered both traditional Chinese and available Western mathematical treatises at a precocious age. In Shanghai in 1852, he met Alexander Wylie of the London Missionary Society and agreed to collaborate on the translation of Western works. Along with his near contemporary Hua Hengfang, Li left a permanent impression on Chinese mathematical nomenclature and exposition. From 1869 Li was professor of mathematics at the Tongwen Guan college, the first Chinese person to hold such a Western-style position in mathematics.