Iwanami Sūgaku Jiten and the Encyclopedic Dictionary of Mathematics
The Iwanami Sūgaku Jiten stands as a cornerstone of mathematical reference literature. Originally published in Japanese by Iwanami Shoten, this comprehensive work has evolved through multiple editions to provide rigorous definitions and conceptual clarity for mathematicians and students alike. Its global influence expanded significantly when it was translated into English as the Encyclopedic Dictionary of Mathematics and published by the MIT Press.
Key Facts
- Primary Editor: Shōkichi Iyanaga led the early Japanese editions.
- English Translation: Published by MIT Press as the Encyclopedic Dictionary of Mathematics.
- Evolution: The work progressed from a single-volume dictionary to a multi-volume encyclopedic set.
- Latest Japanese Edition: The fourth edition of the Iwanami Sūgaku Jiten was released in 2007.
- Major Contributors: Key figures include Shōkichi Iyanaga, Yukiyosi Kawada, and Kiyosi Itô.
The Evolution of the Japanese Editions
The journey of the Iwanami Sūgaku Jiten began in 1954 with its first edition, edited by Shōkichi Iyanaga. By 1960, a revised and enlarged version was produced, edited by the Mathematical Society of Japan. This commitment to updating mathematical knowledge continued with the second edition in 1968.
As the field of mathematics grew in complexity, the dictionary expanded. The third edition was published in 1985, and the most recent fourth edition arrived in 2007, ensuring that the terminology remained current with modern scientific advancements.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]The English Translation: Encyclopedic Dictionary of Mathematics
To make this wealth of knowledge accessible to the international community, the MIT Press published English translations. The first English edition, based on the second Japanese edition, appeared in 1977 as a two-volume hardback set spanning 1,750 pages. A paperback version of this specific edition was later released in 1980, edited by Shōkichi Iyanaga and Yukiyosi Kawada.
The translation effort reached a new peak with the second English edition, edited by Kiyosi Itô. Based on the third Japanese edition, this version expanded to four volumes and 2,148 pages in its 1987 hardback release. A paperback version of this comprehensive four-volume set followed in 1993.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Edition Comparison Summary
| Year | Title | Edition/Version | Editor(s) | Publisher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1954 | Iwanami Sūgaku Jiten | 1st Ed (JP) | Shōkichi Iyanaga | Iwanami Shoten |
| 1960 | Iwanami Mathematical Dictionary | Revised/Enlarged (JP) | Math Society of Japan | Iwanami Shoten |
| 1968 | Iwanami Sūgaku Jiten | 2nd Ed (JP) | Shōkichi Iyanaga | Iwanami Shoten |
| 1977 | Encyclopedic Dictionary of Mathematics | 1st Ed (EN) Vol I-II | Shōkichi Iyanaga | MIT Press |
| 1985 | Sūgaku Jiten | 3rd Ed (JP) | - | Iwanami Shoten |
| 1987 | Encyclopedic Dictionary of Mathematics | 2nd Ed (EN) Vol I-IV | Kiyosi Itô | MIT Press |
| 2007 | Iwanami Sūgaku Jiten | 4th Ed (JP) | - | Iwanami Shoten |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was the primary editor of the early editions?
Shōkichi Iyanaga served as the editor for the first and second Japanese editions, as well as the initial English translation published by MIT Press.
How many volumes are in the second English edition?
The second English edition, edited by Kiyosi Itô and based on the third Japanese edition, consists of four volumes totaling 2,148 pages.
Which publisher handled the English translations?
The MIT Press was responsible for publishing the English translations of the dictionary.
When was the most recent Japanese edition published?
The fourth edition of the Iwanami Sūgaku Jiten was published in 2007 by Iwanami Shoten.
Is there a difference between the 1977 and 1980 English versions?
Yes, the 1977 version was a hardback release, while the 1980 version was a paperback edition of the same 1977 content.