• The Chinese Journal for the History of Science and technology NO.4 2005

The Chinese Journal for the History of Science and technology  NO.4 2005 

A Study on the Institution of Fan Memorial Institute of Biology

JIANG Yuping

(Archives of Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai 200030, China)

 Abstract  Fan Memorial Institute of Biology may be rated as one of the most successful biological research institutes, and also a miniature of the institution of biological science in modern China. This paper studies the evolution of focal point of the work, system of organization and administration, source and structure of researchers, system of funding and academic scholarship, construction of effective system of academic exchange of the Institute, so as to know more about the transplantation and development of science in modern China and its social function.

 Key words  Fan Memorial Institute of Biology,scientific institution,science and society,Chih Ping,Hsien-hsu Hu

Zhang Jiebin’s Contribution to the Theory of Yin-Yang Jaundices

FANG Xiaoyang, LI Dongnan

(Department of History of Science and Technology and S & T Archaeology,

University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei230026, China)

Abstract  After the theory of Yin-Yang jaundices was put forward in the Song Dynasty, it did not smoothly become the major one among jaundice theories, as what the scholars of the history of TCM had thought before. By comparing the contribution of Zhang Jiebin with that of the physicians before or after him, it can be concluded that Zhang Jiebin was the keyman in the development, perfection and spread of the theory of Yin-Yang jaundices, and his work was the turning point for the theory of Yin-Yang jaundices from being neglected to being the leading theory of jaundice.

 Key words the history of TCM, jaundice, Zhang Jiebin, Yin-Yang jaundices

Setting Up of Water Gauge and Measurement of Water Level During the Song Dynasty

 

ZHANG Fang

(College of Humanities, Agricultural University, Nanjing210095, China)

Abstract  The setting up of water gauge used to observe water level had been and became prevalent, with technical great improvement during the Song Dynasty. This paper narrates the status and use of the three kinds of water gauges installed in river embankments, lakes and plains in the Song Dynasty, with an evaluation of water level measurement being also presented.

Key words  Song Dynasty, water gauge, measurement of water level, technique

Achievements Made by the Famous Tibetan Scientist Sangjiejiacuo

TANG Quan,

(Research Center for History of Mathematics and Science, Northwest University, Xi’an710069, China)

 

WAN Yingqiu

(Department of Chinese, Hezuo Normal Minority College, Hezuo747000, China)

 Abstract Sangjiacuo is not only a famous Diba in the Qing dynasty, but also an outstanding statesman, scientist and writer. He wrote many books during his lifetime and made a significant contribution to the development of astronomy and medicine of the Tibetan nationality. This paper gives a brief introduction about the life story of Sangjiejiacuo and his political life, and discusses his contribution to the Tibetan mathematical astronomy and medicine.

Key words  Sanjiejiacuo, Tibetan, mathematical astronomy, medicine

   Exploring the Genesis of New Astronomy:A Review on Rhonda Martens’ Kepler’s Philosophy and the New Astronomy

WANG Guoqiang

(Institute for the History of Natural Science, CAS, Beijing100010, China)

Abstract  Kepler’s Philosophy and the New Astronomy,a work written by Rhonda Martens, explores the genesis of new astronomy from the philosophic dimension. This paper analyzes the relationships between Kepler’s metaphysics, epistemology and physical astronomy by the concept of “Archetype”, and argues that the Keplerian argument of archetype must have played an important role in overcoming technical difficulties, refuting the critiques of contemporary astronomers, and removing the reasoning obstacles in logic. So Martens thinks that Keplerian philosophic thought, especially the archetype, is valuable in establishing a lasting astronomy. In addition, Kepler’s ideas of archetype, in the opiniin of Martens, undergo a gradual process of change from early geometrical archetypes, to realistic application of archetypes, then to harmonious archetypes, and finally to an integral natural philosophy.

Key words  Rhonda Martens, Kepler’s Philosophy and the New Astronomy, archetype, physical astronomy

Mining and State, Technology & Social Development:Review on Wang Lingling’s Study of Mining in Song Dynasty

HAN Yi

 (Institute for the History of Science, CAS, Beijing 100010, China)

Abstract  Starting from 1982, it took more than 20 years for Prof. Wang Lingling to finish her book entitled Study of Mining in Song Dynasty. After its publication in January 2005, the book was immediately applauded in academic circles as a masterpiece in the realm of mining in ancient China, for it filled the gaps in the study of this field. According to Prof. Wang’s view, there were many factors for the development of mining in Song Dynasty, which include not only improvement of managing pattern, enhancement of productivity, increase of social demand and flourishing of commodity economy, but also the importance attached by the state to the technical reform of mining and the policies formulated by the state for the establishment and management of mining institution.

Key words  Wang Lingling, Study of Mining in Song Dynasty, introduction

Tokyo Institute of Technology Group in Japanese Community of History of Science and Technology

YANG Jian

(Institute of Science, Technology and Society, Tsinghua University, Beijing100084, China )

Abstract  The education and research on history of science and technology in Tokyo Institute of Technology were derived from educational reform launched by the president of the institute Koroku Wada after World WarⅡ. Their attention to introspection on science and technology in the society was distinguished from Kyoto University group’s emphasis on the oriental tradition and that of University of Tokyo group to catch up with the West. Since the beginning of 1970s, Tokyo Institute of Technology group has paid more attention to the research on history of science. With the new reform in 1990,Tokyo Institute of Technology group gained further development in the education and research institutionalization on history of science and technology.

 Key words Tokyo Institute of Technology, the history of science and technology

 

The Teaching Framework of the Course on the Historiography of Science in IHNS, CAS 

YUAN Jiangyang

(Institute for the History of Natural Science, CAS, Beijing 100010, China)

Abstract Reinforcing teaching on the basic courses on the history of science is of great importance to disciplinary development of the history of science, especially when the history of science, as an independent discipline, begins to step into a new phase named as “the re-institutionalization period”. The course on the historiography of science in IHNS, CAS, which consists of three major parts, namely, the history of history of science, methodological problems and disputes, and the philosophy of history of science, was set up in 1999 and has been taught since then, aiming at unfolding the disciplinary map in front of students and helping them to improve their sensibilities to various kinds of historical thinking. The teaching framework of this course is given here.

Key words  history of science, disciplinary building, the historiography of science, teaching framework