Basic Series of National Studies - Tian Gong Kai Wu

Author: Song Yingxing (Ming Dynasty)
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2002-04-01
Features: Tian Gong Kai Wu is a landmark work in the history of ancient Chinese science and technology. It provides a detailed account of various industrial and agricultural production measures and scientific innovations that were ahead of their time in China, comprehensively reflecting the technological development levels of agricultural and handicraft production at the end of the Ming Dynasty. It also embodies the author's agrarian philosophy. It has been cherished by later generations and highly valued by domestic and international scholars of the history of science and technology. It has been translated into Japanese, English, German, French, Russian, and other languages. Dr. Joseph Needham, in The History of Science and Technology in China, called Song Yingxing the "Chinese Agricola" and the "encyclopedia of technology." This book is organized based on the Shiyuan re-engraved edition, with reference to other editions. The Table of Contents follows the Shiyuan re-engraved edition's table of contents and includes some brief annotations for easier reading. Tian Gong Kai Wu, compiled by Song Yingxing, is the world's first encyclopedia of agriculture and handicraft production, detailing ancient Chinese agricultural and handicraft production techniques. The entire book is accompanied by over 100 illustrations, vivid and three-dimensional, making it an extremely important visual resource for studying the history of ancient Chinese science and technology. Tian Gong Kai Wu is Song Yingxing's main representative work. This book was published in 1637 (the 10th year of the Chongzhen era) with the financial support of his friend Tu Shaohui (approximately 1582-1645). Tian Gong Kai Wu consists of 3 volumes and 18 chapters, including chapters such as Nali (Grain), Nifu (Clothing), Zhangshi (Dyeing), Cuijing (Refining), Zuoxian (Salt Making), Ganxi (Sweetness), Taoshan (Pottery), Yezhu (Metallurgy), Zhouche (Transportation), Chunfeng (Forging), Fanshi (Mining), Gaoye (Oils and Fats), Shaqing (Pulp), Wujin (Metals), Jiabing (Weapons), Danci (Paints), Qurui (Fermented Beverages), and Zhuuyu (Jade and Pearls). The content described covers the techniques of nearly 30 production departments in agriculture and industry.