Portal:China/Selected article/2007/March



The History of science and technology in China is both long and rich with technological contribution. In Antiquity, independent of Greek philosophers and other civilizations, ancient Chinese philosophers made significant advances in science, technology, mathematics, and astronomy. The first recorded observations of comets, solar eclipses, and supernovas were made in China. Traditional Chinese Medicine, acupuncture and herbal medicine were also practised.

Among the earliest inventions were the abacus and the "shadow clock" and the first flying machine such as Kite and Kongming lantern The "Four Great Inventions of ancient China" were among the most important technological advances; these were the compass, gunpowder, papermaking, and printing, which were later known in Europe by the end of the Middle Ages. The Tang dynasty (AD 618 - 906) in particular was a time of great innovation. A good deal of exchange occurred between Western and Chinese discoveries up to the Qing dynasty.

The Jesuit China missions of the 16th and 17th centuries introduced Western science and astronomy, then undergoing its own revolution, to China, and knowledge of Chinese technology was brought to Europe. Much of the early Western work in the history of science in China was done by Joseph Needham.