A History of Chinese Science and Civilization (Volume 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 adapted from the second part of Volume 3 of Needham's multi-volume work A History of Science and Technology in China, which the renowned British historian of science spent nearly 50 years writing. It primarily discusses the achievements of ancient China in fundamental mechanical principles, various machines, different types of vehicles, sources of power and their applications, timekeeping devices, and the prehistoric stage of aeronautical engineering. It can be said that the adaptation work by Colin Ronan is well done, as it closely grasps the key points and main content of Needham's original work, presenting them in an orderly, accessible, and engaging manner. It also incorporates modern and contemporary 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 to world civilization. It undeniably 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 intelligent nation. As the editor-in-chief mentioned, this volume also appropriately points out that the technological advancements of ancient China failed to rise to a theoretical level, leading to slow and lagging development thereafter. This indeed provokes readers to reflect.