Al – Khwarizmi

If you want to know who was to blame for all those algebra lessons, look no further than Muḥammad ibn Mūsā al-Khwārizmī (c.780-c.850).

Al- Khwārizmī was a polymath of Persian descent, whose works on mathematics, astronomy, and geography are world renowned.

Little is known of his early life but his treatise on algebra, The Compendious Book on Calculation by Completion and Balancing (also known as Al-jabr), became a revolutionary work in the history of mathematics.

It established algebra as an independent discipline – coining the term “algebra”, which was derived from “Al-jabr”, meaning “completing” or “rejoining”. He presented the first systematic solution of linear and quadratic equations and one of his principal achievements in algebra was his demonstration of how to solve quadratic equations by completing the square.

He wrote this treatise around 820 CE, when he was appointed as an astronomer and head of the library at the House of Wisdom in Baghdad, where learned men gathered to translate scientific works.

 

 

Statue of al-Khwārizmī carrying Astrolabe in Amir Kabir University, Tehran
IMAGE LINKED:  wikimedia

Al-Khwārizmī was heavily influenced by the Hindus and it is due to his determined study and translation of their texts that he can be credited with introducing to the Western world, not only the decimal positional system, but also the use of Arabic numerals in mathematics via the Hindu–Arabic numeral system.

This is a decimal place-value numeral system that uses a zero glyph. Its glyphs descended from the Indian Brahmi numerals, first described outside India in AlKhwarizmi’s On the Calculation with Hindu Numerals (ca. 825), and Al-Kindi’s four-volume work On the Use of the Indian Numerals (ca. 830).

The Hindu number system, with its incorporation of a symbol for zero, was introduced to Europe via a Latin translation (De numero indorum; On the Hindu Art of Reckoning) of al-Khwarizmi’s work.

Only the Latin translation remains but it seems very likely that al-Khwarizmi was the first mathematician to expound the new number system systematically in Arabic. The term “algorithm” (a rule of calculation) is a variant form of his name.

Al-Khwārizmī’s teachings are considered the foundations and cornerstone of the sciences and influenced millions of learned men throughout the world.

During the late Medieval period, his work on arithmetic and astronomy contributed to the system of education made up of the Seven Liberal Arts. His form of elementary algebra was highly practical, and his book was intended as an introduction to being able to solve real life problems – he stated that the purpose was to offer:

“what is easiest and most useful in arithmetic, such as men constantly require in cases of inheritance, legacies, partition, lawsuits, and trade, and in all their dealings with one another, or where the measuring of lands, the digging of canals, geometrical computations, and other objects of various sorts and kinds are concerned”.

Liberal arts and sciences is the term given to an education based on classical antiquity. It is meant to be a practical education which develops mental capacity.

It was designed in the late medieval period (12th/13th centuries) using ideas from Ancient Greek and Roman culture. During the Middle Ages, the liberal arts were central to university education.

It is comprised of two sets of disciplines known as the Trivium (from the Latin tres via – the ‘three ways’) and the Quadrivium (the ‘four ways’):

Trivium

  • Grammar
  • Dialectic (logic)
  • Rhetoric

Quadrivium

  • Arithmetic
  • Geometry
  • Astronomy
  • Music

The Trivium is seen as the foundation – the use of the senses and the ability to communicate precisely in and about the world – and the Quadrivium contains those subjects that build upon the foundation.

If you imagine that the Trivium was the equivalent of a Bachelor’s degree (BA), the Quadrivium was the Masters (MA).

This short ~5mins youtube video by Sic Show provides a perfect summary of Al-Khwarizmi

Recent Articles: skill series

What you see praiseworthy in others

"What you see praiseworthy in others, carefully imitate, and what in them may appear defective, you will in yourself amend". This passage of Masonic ritual (Taylors Working, Address to the w
Wardens) is advice on how to improve oneself by observing others.
 

How to Learn Ritual with a Learning Disorder

So what do you do when faced with that little blue book? Most Masons when first looking at the ritual book can understandably be fazed – the tiny print, the missing words, the questions and answers! Learning ritual can be a challenging task for anyone, especially individuals with learning disorders, but it is not impossible. Here are some tips to help make the process easier.
 

The Mind Palace

A "mind palace", also known as a "memory palace", is a technique for memorizing and recalling information. How would your life change if you could remember anything and everything? Discover the 'Mind Palace' and all will be revealed.
 

Leadership and Freemasonry

What is leadership and who does freemasonry help develop those skills needed to be a better leader
 

Property and Plunder

A story of the 'Ruffians' – those individuals whose paths cross ours, who feel entitled to seize and consume the property of others that they have not earned. A lesson to build character to be a better citizen of the world.
 

how to learn ritual - Recap

Now we are back in the Lodge room once again, maybe it is time to review how we learn and deliver ritual and look at different ways of improving that process.
 

How do you Learn?

Making an advancement in Masonic Knowledge can become far easier when you 'learn how to learn'.
 

Masonic Meditation

Learn how to practise Masonic meditation in a busy world with all its care and employments
 

The 5-Minute Ritualist

Struggling to learn your ritual? Become a 5-Minute Ritualist with the aid of a book of the same name.
 

Day in the life of a Freemason

As we start a new year, maybe start it with a new habit?
 

Ten Basic Rules For Better Living

Ten Basic Rules For Better Living by Manly P Hall
 

How to avoid confrontation

How can we use masonic leadership skills to avoid confrontational situations?
 

Critical Thinking

How the Trivium is applied to Critical Thinking - {who, what, where, when} - {how} - {why}
 

Seven Liberal Arts

The Seven Liberal Arts - why 'seven', why 'liberal', why 'arts'?
 

Speak Like a Leader

How to improve your public speaking skill with 6 techniques
 

How to Learn a Speech

Do you need to speak in public, or present Masonic ritual without notes ?
 

Logical Fallacies

What are logical Fallacies and how to spot them
 

Share One Tip

Share one easy tip to learn masonic ritual; Some good tips from Facebook followers
 

Public Speaking

How can we use the 7 secrets of the greatest speakers in history
 

Critical Thinking

What is a critical thinker and what are their characteristics?
 

Share one personal skill Freemasonry helped you to improve?

How can we make practical use of the lessons taught in Masonic writings?
 

Public Speaking

An introduction to the art of public speaking - speak with confidence
 

Seven Liberal Arts and Sciences

What do you know about Seven Liberal Arts and Sciences
 

Three Words That Will Change Your Life

This article discuss a common situation found in many lodges - a difficulty in holding a conversation with a stranger.
 

Al – Khwarizmi

Al - Khwarizmi live c750 - c820 is credited as being the father of Algebra, being asked what is Man, give his answer in an algebraic expression
 

masonic knowledge

to be a better citizen of the world

share the square with two brothers

click image to open email app on mobile device

Tubal Cain

Masonic Apron NFT

Each NFT includes the JPEG image plus a full size masonic apron and shipping worldwide

Share this article ....

Contents