Science in Traditional China; A Comparative Perspective

by joseph-needham

The world’s preeminent authority on Chinese science explores the philosophy, social structure, arts, crafts, and even military strategies that form our understanding of Chinese science, making instructive comparisons along the way to similar elements of Indian, Hellenistic, and Arabic cultures. A major portion of the book concentrates on Taoist alchemy that led not only to the invention of gunpowder and firearms, but also, through the search for macrobiotic life-elixirs, to the rise of modern medical chemistry.

Genres: China, History, Science, History Of Science

Paperback

First published January 1, 1981

Reviews

[Tao Zheng · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating read on traditional Chinese science. Needham's lectures make interesting comparisons with European, Indian, and Islamic scientific developments from early antiquity to the beginning of the Scientific Revolution.