China

Chinese Science and Technology Achievements

1. Scientific and Technological Achievements

2. Some Key Dates

• 7000-2100BC : Prehistory
• 2100-1600BC : Xia Dynasty
• c1600BC-1046BC : Shang Dynasty
• 1045BC-256BC : Zhou Dynasty
• 206 BC-220 AD : Han Dynasty
• 265 AD-420 : Jin Dynasty
• 618-907 : Tang Dynasty
• 960-1279 : Song Dynasty
• 1368-1644 : Ming Dynasty
• 1644-1911 : Qing Dynasty
(Historical classifications: Ancient (7000-221BC). Imperial
(221BC-1911) and Modern (1912+). BC more often
 Introduction

• The Chinese made very many significant

advances in astronomy, mathematics,
medicine, technology and science.
Discoveries and inventions were developed
through observation and scientific
experimentation. • Little or no awareness in
the West of these achievements until the late
15/16th century.
๏ The discoveries included far more than
the often quoted Four Great Inventions
namely the compass, gunpowder,
papermaking and printing
 Examples of Inventions
A few examples to illustrate the range of
the ingenuity of the Chinese:

• Agricultural implements. Metal tools and

implements. Plough. Seed Drill. Sluice
gate. Pumps. Waterwheel. Wheelbarrow.
Cross bow. Gunpowder. Military weaponry.
Dry docks. Stern mounted rudder.
Propeller. Horse collar. Stirrup. Grid
reference for map making. Hot air balloons.
Parachute. Seismometer. Time pieces.
Calendars. Star charts. Water clock.
Matches.
• Several kinds of bridges.
• Road and canal construction.
• Building design. Dams. Irrigation
systems.
• Major works of architecture e.g. the
Great Wall 220BC+ and other major
defensive walls and temples.
• The first paper banknotes.
Porcelain/ceramics/pottery.
• Farming methods/techniques.
• Wide range of varnishes and lacquers.
• Ship design.
• Mining technology.
 Even more Discoveries
In mathematics:
• Concept of Zero. Negative numbers .
• Pascal’s triangle.
• Pythagorean theorem. Square /cube
roots.
• Approximations of pi. Decimal/fraction
notations.
• Equations.
In astronomy:
• First observation of supernova.
• First atlas of comets. Observation of
sunspots and lunar eclipses. Planetary
movements.
• Application of mathematics to astronomy.
• Mathematics applied to music theory
Scientific Method-Hypotheses and Theories

Many commentators have highlighted the

lack of solid scientific reasoning and theory.
Even if one accepts this criticism Chinese
thinkers proposed a number of hypotheses
which were in accord with modern principles
of science namely:
• theory of rainbows/mirages. Causes of
lunar eclipses and theories of planets and
satellites, metrological theories e.g.
• the water cycle. Geological and
climatological theories.