Lecture Notes: The Scientific and Technological History of Ancient China
Overview of Chinese Civilization
China is considered a hydraulic civilization, similar to Egypt, Sumer, and Mesoamerica.
Relied on diverting rivers for irrigation.
Developed writing thousands of years ago, maintaining an unbroken literary and scientific tradition.
Transitioned from early dynasties to Northern and Southern Song Dynasties, a period of significant technical innovation.
Early Scientific Developments
Xia Dynasty:
Supported astronomical research for calendar accuracy.
400-0 BCE:
Measured solar year (365.25 days), predicted eclipses, recorded supernovas and sunspots, founded Bureau of Astronomy, determined precession of equinoxes.
Developed grand cosmological models with China at the center.
Philosophical Foundations
Confucius:
Emphasized tradition, etiquette, respect for elders, and patriarchy.
Influenced later thought, including Neo-Confucianism in the Song Dynasty.
Other Philosophical Schools:
Buddhism conflicted with Confucianism.
Mohism and Legalism favored rational laws.
State and Society
Qin and Han Dynasties:
Unified China and established imperial examinations for civil service.
Exams focused on Confucian texts, law, and order, not science.
Song Dynasty Innovations
Agriculture:
New rice varieties introduced, leading to agricultural efficiency and growth.
Urbanization and Trade:
Urban populations grew significantly, and trade and manufacturing increased.
Technological Achievements
State-Controlled Industries:
Innovations such as wheelbarrow, silk production, gunpowder, and paper money.
Inventions:
Magnetic compass, movable-type printing press, astronomical clocks, and orreries.
Infrastructure and Engineering
Iron and Coal Production:
Significant advancements in iron production using coal.
Grand Canal:
Major engineering feat; crucial for grain shipment and economic integration.
Cultural and Scientific Legacy
Despite innovations, a "Scientific Revolution" as seen in the West did not occur.
Many technical achievements were made by anonymous artisans.
Chinese historians challenge the necessity of a "Scientific Revolution."