具體描述
基本信息
書名:中國古代發明(英文版)
定價:92.00元
作者:鄧蔭柯,王平興
齣版社:五洲傳播齣版社
齣版日期:2005-10-01
ISBN:9787508508375
字數:
頁碼:
版次:1
裝幀:平裝
開本:
商品重量:0.4kg
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內容提要
這是本全英文讀本。主要介紹瞭中國古代的科技創造發明。其中,為使讀者能更加直觀地瞭解這些創造發明,書中還附加瞭一些圖片。本書主要供那些對中國文化感興趣的外國朋友閱讀。
目錄
Brilliant Achievements of Science and Technology in Ancient China
Land of Inventions and Discoveries
Joseph Needham and the History of Science and Technology in China
The Four Maior Inventions
Are the Four Major Inventions the Most Important
Compass
Gunpowder
Paper
Printing
Other Maior Inventions (I)
Iron and Steel Smelting and Ironware
Copper Smelting and Bronze Ware
Extraction and Application of Petroleum
Discovery and Mining of Coal
Pottery and Porcelain
Wine and Liquor
Sericulture
Tea and Tea Culture
Other Major Inventions (II)
Star Catalogue and Star Atlas
Observation of Solar and Lunar Eclipses
Surveying of the Meridian
Zhang Heng and His Seismograph
Guo Shouiing and His Shoushi Calendar
The Decimal and Binary Systems
Zu Chongzhi and Pi
Equal Temperament
Other Major Inventions (III)
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Acupuncture
Anesthetic
Variolation
The Great Wall
Grand Canal of China
Dujiangyan Irrigation System
Miscellaneous Smart Inventions
Kite
Abacus
Weiqi
Hot-Air Balloon
Parachute
Archery
Match
Chinese Kung Fu
Football
Golf
Classical Works of Science
Kao Gong Ji
Huangdi Nei Jing
Shanghan Zabing Lun
Qi Min Yao Shu
Mengxi Bitan
Yingzao Fashi
Wang Zhen Nong Shu
Ben Gangmu
Tiangong Kaiwu
Nong Zheng Quanshu
Appendix: Chinese Dynasties
作者介紹
文摘
序言
An Epoch of Ingenuity: The Untold Stories of China’s Ancient Innovations This volume delves into the vibrant tapestry of ingenuity that characterized ancient China, exploring a spectrum of groundbreaking inventions and discoveries that not only shaped Chinese civilization but also reverberated across the globe. Far from a mere cataloging of artifacts, this book embarks on a narrative journey, tracing the intellectual currents, societal needs, and cultural contexts that spurred these remarkable advancements. It aims to illuminate the minds behind these innovations, the challenges they overcame, and the profound impact their creations had on the trajectory of human history. The narrative begins by unearthing the origins of technologies that laid the groundwork for subsequent developments. We will explore the meticulous craft of early metallurgy, detailing how the ancient Chinese mastered the casting of bronze and, later, iron. This wasn't simply about producing tools or weapons; it was about understanding the fundamental properties of materials, refining smelting processes, and developing sophisticated techniques for shaping metal. The implications were far-reaching, revolutionizing agriculture with stronger plows and more efficient tools, transforming warfare with superior armaments, and enabling the creation of intricate artworks and ceremonial objects that speak volumes about their aesthetic sensibilities and technological prowess. The book will scrutinize the archaeological evidence, examine textual accounts, and consult expert analyses to reconstruct the evolution of these metalworking techniques, highlighting the iterative nature of innovation and the gradual accumulation of knowledge. Moving beyond the realm of tangible materials, the book dedicates significant attention to the advancements in agriculture, a cornerstone of ancient Chinese society. From the development of sophisticated irrigation systems, such as the Dujiangyan Irrigation System, which ingeniously managed water resources and prevented floods for millennia, to the cultivation of new crops and the invention of improved farming implements like the seed drill, these innovations were instrumental in supporting a burgeoning population and fostering economic stability. The seed drill, in particular, represents a leap in agricultural efficiency, ensuring uniform planting depth and spacing, which significantly increased yields and reduced waste. The introduction of new strains of rice, often through cross-breeding and careful selection, also played a pivotal role in sustaining China's demographic growth. We will explore the philosophical underpinnings of agricultural practices, the emphasis on harmony with nature, and the meticulous observation of natural cycles that informed these developments. The book will draw upon historical agricultural treatises, such as those by Jia Sixie, to provide detailed insights into the methods and philosophies that guided these agricultural revolutions. A substantial portion of this exploration is dedicated to the realm of scientific observation and calculation. The ancient Chinese were keen astronomers, meticulously charting the movements of celestial bodies. Their dedication to this celestial dance led to the development of sophisticated astronomical instruments, such as the armillary sphere, and the creation of accurate calendars that were crucial for agricultural planning and societal organization. The accuracy of their predictions for eclipses and other astronomical events was remarkable, demonstrating a profound understanding of cosmic mechanics. This section will delve into the mathematical foundations of their astronomical observations, the theoretical frameworks they employed, and the societal role of astronomy in ancient China, which often intertwined with divination and imperial legitimacy. We will also examine their contributions to mathematics itself, including the development of negative numbers and the refinement of algebraic methods, which laid important groundwork for later mathematical advancements in other cultures. The transformative power of papermaking is another critical innovation that receives extensive coverage. The invention of paper, attributed to Cai Lun, revolutionized the dissemination of knowledge and culture. Prior to paper, writing materials were cumbersome and expensive, severely limiting the reach of written information. Paper provided a cheap, lightweight, and durable medium, paving the way for increased literacy, the flourishing of literature and scholarship, and the efficient administration of a vast empire. This chapter will trace the intricate process of papermaking, from the selection of raw materials to the drying and finishing stages, highlighting the ingenuity involved in transforming plant fibers into a viable writing surface. The impact of paper on the spread of Buddhism, the documentation of history, and the development of a sophisticated bureaucracy will be thoroughly examined. The realm of medicine also showcases remarkable ancient Chinese ingenuity. From the development of acupuncture and moxibustion, techniques that continue to be practiced and researched today, to the compilation of comprehensive pharmacopoeias and the understanding of basic anatomical structures, Chinese medical practices were remarkably advanced for their time. The foundational principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), with its emphasis on balance and the flow of vital energy (qi), will be explored in detail, examining the theoretical framework that underpinned their therapeutic approaches. The book will analyze the contributions of prominent physicians like Hua Tuo and Zhang Zhongjing, whose clinical observations and herbal remedies formed the bedrock of Chinese medical knowledge. We will also investigate their early understanding of disease transmission and preventative health measures, demonstrating a holistic approach to well-being. The exploration extends to innovations in engineering and construction. The construction of the Great Wall, a monumental feat of engineering, is more than just a defensive structure; it represents an extraordinary application of logistical planning, material science, and labor management. We will also look at other impressive architectural achievements, such as the intricate wooden joinery used in ancient Chinese pagodas and palaces, which allowed for earthquake resistance and aesthetic elegance without the extensive use of nails. The development of the wheelbarrow, a simple yet incredibly effective invention that dramatically increased the efficiency of labor in transport and construction, will also be examined. This section will delve into the surveying techniques, material sciences, and organizational strategies that enabled these ambitious undertakings, showcasing a mastery of practical problem-solving. Furthermore, the book will investigate the fascinating world of ancient Chinese chemistry and alchemy. While often viewed through the lens of mysticism, ancient Chinese alchemy also encompassed empirical experimentation and the discovery of valuable chemical processes. The pursuit of elixirs and the transmutation of metals, while ultimately unsuccessful in their alchemical goals, led to the accidental discovery of important chemical compounds, such as gunpowder. The book will detail the early understanding of chemical reactions, the properties of various substances, and the development of rudimentary laboratory techniques, providing a nuanced perspective on their contributions to proto-chemistry. The gradual evolution from alchemical pursuits to more practical applications of chemical knowledge will be traced. The narrative will also touch upon innovations in navigation and exploration. The invention of the compass, a device that revolutionized seafaring and exploration, originated in China. This magnetic marvel allowed for more accurate navigation, enabling longer voyages and fostering trade and cultural exchange across vast distances. The book will explore the evolution of compass technology, from early lodestone pointers to more refined magnetic needles, and its impact on maritime activities and global exploration. We will also examine the development of other navigational tools and techniques that aided ancient Chinese mariners. Throughout this comprehensive exploration, the book emphasizes the interconnectedness of these inventions. How advancements in metallurgy facilitated the creation of better tools for agriculture and construction, how astronomical observations informed calendar systems crucial for agriculture and societal planning, and how papermaking facilitated the spread of medical knowledge. It is a testament to the cumulative nature of human ingenuity, where each innovation builds upon the foundations laid by its predecessors. This volume aims to provide a rich and detailed understanding of China's ancient intellectual heritage, showcasing a civilization that was not only a cradle of culture but also a vibrant engine of innovation that profoundly shaped the course of human progress. The reader will be invited to appreciate the depth of thought, the rigor of experimentation, and the enduring legacy of these ancient minds.