Chinese Science and Technology Achievements

Chinese Science and Technology Achievements

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  Scientific and Technological Achievements RichardEvans
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  Some Key Dates •7000-2100BC : Prehistory • 2100-1600BC : Xia Dynasty • c1600BC-1046BC : Shang Dynasty • 1045BC-256BC : Zhou Dynasty • 206 BC-220 AD : Han Dynasty • 265 AD-420 : Jin Dynasty • 618-907 : Tang Dynasty • 960-1279 : Song Dynasty • 1368-1644 : Ming Dynasty • 1644-1911 : Qing Dynasty (Historical classifications: Ancient (7000-221BC). Imperial (221BC-1911) and Modern (1912+). BC more often referred to as BCE namely Before the Common Era.
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  Introduction • The Chinesemade very many significant advances in astronomy, mathematics, medicine, technology and science. Discoveries and inventions were developed through observation and scientific experimentation. • Little or no awareness in the West of these achievements until the late 15/16th century.
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  Introduction continued • Thediscoveries included far more than the often quoted Four Great Inventions namely the compass, gunpowder, papermaking and printing.
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  Examples of Inventions Afew examples to illustrate the range of the ingenuity of the Chinese: • Agricultural implements. Metal tools and implements. Plough. Seed Drill. Sluice gate. Pumps. Waterwheel. Wheelbarrow. Cross bow. Gunpowder. Military weaponry. Dry docks. Stern mounted rudder. Propeller. Horse collar. Stirrup. Grid reference for map making. Hot air balloons. Parachute. Seismometer. Time pieces. Calendars. Star charts. Water clock. Matches.
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  Examples of otherInnovations • Several kinds of bridges. Road and canal construction. Building design. Dams. Irrigation systems. Major works of architecture e.g. the Great Wall 220BC+ and other major defensive walls and temples. The first paper banknotes. Porcelain/ceramics/pottery. Farming methods/techniques. Wide range of varnishes and lacquers. Ship design. Mining technology.
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  Even more Discoveries Inmathematics: • Concept of Zero. Negative numbers . Pascal’s triangle. Pythagorean theorem. Square /cube roots. Approximations of pi. Decimal/fraction notations. Equations. • In astronomy: First observation of supernova. First atlas of comets. Observation of sunspots and lunar eclipses. Planetary movements. Application of mathematics to astronomy. Mathematics applied to music theory.
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  Scientific Method-Hypotheses and Theories Manycommentators have highlighted the lack of solid scientific reasoning and theory. Even if one accepts this criticism Chinese thinkers proposed a number of hypotheses which were in accord with modern principles of science namely: theory of rainbows/mirages. Causes of lunar eclipses and theories of planets and satellites, metrological theories e.g. the water cycle. Geological and climatological theories.
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  Joseph Needham (1900-1995) • JosephNeedham was largely responsible for bringing the world’s attention to these amazing achievements. • His encyclopaedic work ‘Science and Civilisation in China’ is a masterpiece and quite unique in the history of publication.
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  The Needham Question/Problem Refersto the guiding question Needham proffered in his writings: • Why did China not develop a scientific revolution and why did Chinese technology fall behind that of Europe? Or expressed another way: • Why did modern science not develop in Chinese civilisation but only in Europe. He asked the same question about the Indian civilisation?
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  Possible Reasons A widerange of hypotheses have been put forward namely: Cultural. Economic. Geographical. Philosophical. Political. Interventions from European nations. Religious.
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  References • ‘Science andCivilisation in China’ J. Needham etal. CUP. 1954+. 25 volumes so far.