History of Chinese Science and Civilization -- 3

Author: Joseph Needham (English), adapted by Colin Ronan (English), translated by the Department of the History of Science, Shanghai Jiao Tong University
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2002-06-01
Features: This volume is based on the rewritten content of the second part of Volume 3 of Joseph Needham's multi-volume work A History of Chinese Science and Technology, which he dedicated nearly 50 years to writing. It primarily discusses the achievements of ancient China in fundamental mechanical principles, various machines, different types of vehicles, prime movers and their applications, timekeeping devices, and the prehistoric stage of aeronautical engineering. It should be said that the adaptation work by Colin Ronan is quite commendable, as he effectively captures the key points and main content of Needham's original work while presenting it in a well-organized, accessible, and engaging manner. Additionally, he integrates modern scientific theories, methods, developments, and new research findings, both promoting the significant contributions of ancient Chinese science and technology to Chinese society and people, as well as the selfless dedication of Chinese civilization to the world. Furthermore, it irrefutably declares that many inventions and creations once attributed to the Western world were actually known and widely used by the Chinese much earlier. This demonstrates that China is a land of invention and creation, and the Chinese people are a hardworking and wise nation. As the editor-in-chief aptly noted, this volume also appropriately points out that the technological advancements of ancient China failed to reach a theoretical level, leading to slow and lagging progress thereafter. This indeed provides readers with food for thought.