Science and Civilisation in China
Science and Civilisation in China
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The fifth volume of the late Dr. Needham's immense undertaking covers the subjects of chemistry and chemical technology. This, the thirteenth part of the volume, is the first history of Chinese mining to appear in a Western language. Spanning from the Neolithic period to the present day, it deals with the full range of Chinese mining from copper to mercury, arsenic to coal. The author explores not only the written sources but also the archaeological remains, and observes the traditional techniques still in use. The interrelationship between Chinese mining and its social, economic and political implications is examined. Through these discoveries, the author concludes that these factors were probably more important in determining how mining was carried out than the technological progress itself.
- The only history of Chinese mining in English
- Profusely illustrated with line drawings and photographs, as well as abundant tables and maps
- Makes many comparisons with mining traditions in other parts of the world
Reviews & endorsements
"...very real achievement and contribution on producing this invaluable volume. It will be widely welcomed and used, particularly by those interested in mining history." American Historical Review
"[An] astonishing and enduring study...[Needham brings] depth of emotion and technical finesse to his task."
Jonathan Spence, New York Review of Books
"Perhaps the greatest single act of historical synthesis and intercultural communication ever attempted by one man."
Laurence Picken, Cambridge University
Product details
- Published: May 2000
- Format: Hardback
- ISBN: 9780521580007
- Length: 564 pages
- Dimensions: 255 × 198 × 41 mm
- Weight: 1.58kg
- Contains: 127 b/w illus. 15 maps 14 tables
- Availability: Available
Table of Contents
- List of illustrations
- List of maps
- List of tables
- List of abbreviations
- Author's note
- 1. Introduction
- 2. An overview of mining in China
- 3. Sources
- 4. Deposits
- 5. The products of Chinese mining
- 6. Prospecting and exploration
- 7. Placer mining and surface mining
- 8. Underground mining
- 9. Ore dressing
- 10. The copper precipitation process
- 11. Labour, capital and mining technology
- 12. The state and mining technology
- 13. Conclusions
- 14. Bibliographies
- 15. General index
- 15. Table of chineses dynasties
- 16. Romanization convertion tables.
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