Description: (Astronomer)
Minggantu, a Mongolian astronomer, mathematician, and topographic scientist, worked at the Qing court. Initially a state-subsidized student at the Imperial Astronomical Bureau, he contributed to calendar reforms with Jesuit missionaries. Later, he joined the Imperial Observatory, aiding in calendar creation and armillary sphere studies. Noteworthy contributions include advancing mathematics in China, focusing on infinite series and Catalan numbers. Minggantu's work integrated European math ideas without calculus, highlighting his innovative and algebraic problem-solving approach.