Li Yuese and A History of Science and Technology in China

Author: Liu Jingxu
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2001-04-01
Features: Opening the history of human civilization, every field and every period has produced world-renowned works with a significant impact. World-renowned works not only bring us the aesthetic pleasure of reading but, more importantly, revolutionize our way of thinking and update our concepts. Behind these works often stands a great figure whose thoughts have changed the world. However, for most young readers, there is a common confusion about famous people and their works—knowing the "what" but not the "why." Works of literature are stepping stones for human progress, reflecting the value and power of the spirit in comparison with the material world. This is the spiritual food that contemporary people need most and is also the most profound form of quality cultivation.
In early 1998, Hai Fei, the president of China Juvenile and Young Adult Publishing House, first proposed his idea: to enhance the quality education of young people through popular, vivid, and concise introductions, helping them gain a more practical understanding of famous figures in Chinese and world history who have made outstanding contributions, as well as grasping the significance of works that have had and continue to have a major impact. This would broaden their horizons, inspire their thinking, and adjust and perfect their knowledge structure.
Next, the publisher organized an editorial committee, consisting of experts and scholars who, through careful selection and repeated deliberation, determined the list of works. The final selection of this series breaks the conventional single structure of other literature series, paying special attention to the overall knowledge structure. In addition to literary works, it also includes some works from social sciences and natural sciences, ensuring a reasonable distribution of knowledge and reflecting more comprehensively the "power of culture" in the process of human history. Each volume is basically divided into three parts: the first part introduces the author's life; the second part presents a synopsis of the original work; the third part consists of commentary and introduction, which is conducive to young readers' engagement with and the of these masterpieces.
The selection criteria for the works in this series are as follows:
1. First and foremost, authority and fame are considered, meaning works that have been historically tested and recognized as having significant status, value, and impact.
2. In terms of proportion, literary works account for approximately 52%, totaling 26 volumes; works in humanities (social sciences) account for about 36%, totaling 18 volumes; and works in natural sciences (non-specialized, with certain humanistic value and philosophical elements) account for approximately 12%, totaling 6 volumes.
3. Appropriate consideration is given to the time span, ranging from ancient to modern times, while also reflecting typicality, such as The Travels of Marco Polo and A History of Science and Technology in China.
A History of Science and Technology in China is a monumental work that comprehensively introduces the development of Chinese science and technology with systematic and detailed data. This work is planned to be published in 7 volumes, totaling 34 books. When completed, it will exceed 45 million words. So far, 18 volumes have been published. The work provides detailed introductions, arguments, and analyses of the history of Chinese scientific thought, the history of various disciplines, such as mathematics, astronomy, geology, physics and related technologies, chemistry and related technologies, biology and related technologies, as well as the social context. The breadth and depth of its scope are astonishing and impressive. The author of this monumental work is the renowned British scientist, a lifelong friend of the Chinese people, and the world-renowned master recognized today for his research on the history of Chinese science and technology—Dr. Joseph Needham.
What does A History of Science and Technology in China cover? This is likely the first question every person who learns about it is eager to answer. To unravel these "question marks," let us get to know Dr. Needham and read his A History of Science and Technology in China.