Mechanisms with illustrations in ancient books

Kuo Hung Hsiao, Kuo Hung Hsiao, Hong Sen Yan

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

Abstract

There are many technical books with mechanical illustrations in ancient China in which the texts and illustrations are coordinated to introduce technologies and production processes from a variety of primitive industries during the time periods of these books. This chapter introduces five representative technical books including, Nong Shu, by Wang Zhen, Wu Bei Zhi by Mao Yuan-yi, Tian Gong Kai Wu by Song Ying-xing, Nong Zheng Quan Shu by Xu Guang-qi, and Qin Ding Shou Shi Tong Kao. The contents and the historical background of these books are presented. In these five books, there are a total of 96 movable devices.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationHistory of Mechanism and Machine Science
PublisherSpringer Netherland
Pages9-32
Number of pages24
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2014

Publication series

NameHistory of Mechanism and Machine Science
Volume23
ISSN (Print)1875-3442
ISSN (Electronic)1875-3426

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • History
  • Mechanical Engineering

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