Scientific Universal Genius: A Biography of Shen Kuo, Series of Biographies of Famous Figures in Zhejiang Culture

Author: He Yongqiang
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Features: When ancient Westerners still didn't know what petroleum was, the common people in China were already using this black liquid to cook meals and light lamps. This was thanks to an ancient Chinese scholar who, through repeated research, clarified the nature and uses of this substance and mobilized the people to promote its use. This scholar also gave it a name: "petroleum," a name that has been used to this day. This scholar was Shen Kuo of the Northern Song Dynasty (1031–1095). He was a renowned reformer and scientist in ancient China, achieving significant accomplishments in fields such as astronomy, calendar-making, mathematics, physics, chemistry, geography, geology, meteorology, biology, and medicine. The West calls him the "coordinate in the history of Chinese science."