Syriac Scholarship in Math and Sciences

Syriac Scholarship in Math and Sciences

Syriac scholars made significant contributions through original compositions, translations, and teachings in sciences and mathematics. The Syriac contribution and engagement with arithmetic, geometry, and astronomy was significant. In arithmetics they produced notable works including translations of Nicomachus's Introduction to Arithmetic and Severus Sebokht's early reference to Indian (Hindu) numerals in 662 CE. Syriac scholars utilized practical computation, especially Computus (Easter calculations), and contributed to the Gregorian Calendar reform. In geometry they worked on  translations of Euclid's Elements, Archimedes' On the Sphere and Cylinder, and Menelaus's Sphaerica. Scholars like Sergius expanded on original texts, and Thābit ibn Qurra produced original work on Euclid's parallel postulate. In astronomy, Severus Sebokht wrote treatises on astrolabe and practical astronomy, and Sergius of Rish 'Ayna translated Greek cosmological texts. The Syriac language developed a rich vocabulary for astronomical terms. 

Syriac developed its scientific vocabulary by incorporating Greek loanwords alongside native Syriac terms. Examples of Greek loanwords include "geōmetry" (γείωτροσ) meaning "earth measure," and "kri(a)s" meaning "square" or "square root." Latin words like "numerus" (number) were also adopted.

Conversely, several scientific and philosophical terms were loan-translated or calqued from Syriac into Arabic. For instance, the Syriac word "al-sifr" (zero) became "sifr" in Arabic , and "asṭurlāb" (astrolabe) originated from the Syriac (astroboṣ). The term "al-jabr," which gave rise to "algebra," is believed to have originated from a Syriac root meaning "restoration" or "completion."

Early Scholars

Some of early Syriac scholars who authored and translated work in the field of mathematics and related fields between 4th and 7th Centuries are

Sergius of Rish 'Ayna (d. 536): A prominent Syriac priest who played a vital role in transmitting Greek philosophy and medicine into Syriac who wrote theological works and is considered one of the "fathers of Syriac literature." He also translated numerous medical treatises by Galen, Aristotle's Categories, and Porphyry's Introduction to the Categories (Isagoge). His commentaries introduced philosophy and logic to Syriac readers, making Greek texts more accessible.

Severus Sabokht (7th century): A Syriac scholar and bishop who was a key translator, stimulating Syriac intellectual thought. He wrote on constellations, dispelled astrological myths, and was the first non-Eastern author to mention the Hindu decimal system (662 AD). He was familiar with and possibly translated some of Ptolemy's astronomical works into Syriac He also translated Aristotle's De interpretation. He played a crucial role in transmitting knowledge from Greek and Indian sources to Syriac scholars and his student, Jacob of Edessa, became a major representative of "Christian Hellenism."

George, Bishop of the Arabs (d. 724): A Syriac Orthodox bishop known as one of the most important writers in the history of the Syriac Church. He completed Jacob of Edessa's encyclopedic work, the Hexaemeron, after Jacob's death and wrote commentary on the West Syriac liturgy. He translated parts of Aristotle's Organon into Syriac. His unique role as "Bishop of the Arabs" signifies his unique position during a time of cultural and religious transition

Syriac Renaissance Scholars

At the time of Syriac Renaissance that took place between the ninth and thirteenth centuries, several Syriac scholars played important roles in the transmission of knowledge and sciences from the Greeks to the Arabs by translating the Greek books to Syriac and then to Arabic. Some of the leading scholars are:

Hunayn ibn Ishaq (9th century): A Syriac Nestorian Christian polymath and prolific translator who mastered Arabic, Syriac, Greek, and Persian languages. His most significant contribution was "Ten Treatises of the Eye," the first known systematic ophthalmology text. His translations covered agriculture, chemistry, mathematics, medicine, philosophy (Plato and Aristotle), and parts of the Old Testament.  He translated 129 works by Galen and authored 36 of his own books, with 21 on medicine.

Thābit ibn Qurra (9th century): Considered one of the most prominent scholars of the Syriac Renaissance, with Syriac as his native language and is believed to be ethnic Syriac.  He discovered a theorem for amicable numbers and strengthened the proof of the Pythagorean theorem and he was one of the first reformers of the Ptolemaic system of astronomy and proposed the Theory of Trepidation. He translated works by Euclid, Archimedes, and Ptolemy. His work,Kitab fi 'l-qarastun, contained a proof of the law of the lever.

Jacob bar Shakko (d. 1241): An important Syrian Orthodox scholar of the thirteenth century and a key figure in the "Syriac Renaissance,focusing on preserving Syriac within the Syrian Orthodox identity. He aAuthored The Book of Treasures (Ktābā d-sīmātā), a theological treatise, and The Book of Dialogues (Ktābā d-diyalōgō), which covered grammar, rhetoric, and philosophy and  discussed comets.

Gregorius Bar Ebroyo (13th century): Also known as Gregory bar Hebraeus, a polymath and considered the last great Syriac scholar and writer. He systematized knowledge in theology, philosophy, science, and history. His works include Awsar Raze (Storehouse of Secrets), a biblical commentary; Hewath Hekhmetha (The Cream of Science), a philosophical compendium; and Suloqo Hawnonoyo (Ascent of the Mind), a treatise on astronomy and cosmography. He also wroteChronicon Syriacum, a historical work.

Ignatius Nematallah (16th century): The 99th Syriac Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch, mathematician, and astronomer. Among his contributions, serving on the commission established by Pope Gregory XIII for the reform of the calendar and contributed insights to the proposed calendar reform.