The Chinese Journal for the History of Science and technology  NO.1 2008 

 

Biographical Chronology of Xi Zezong

XI Zezong

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

Abstract This article covers the events of Professor Xi Zezong’s life from birth to the present in chronological order. In 1954, Professor Xi began work in the history of science, participating in the establishment of both the Institute for the History of Natural Sciences (IHNS) and the Chinese Society for the History of Science and Technology (CSHST). He subsequently acted as director of the IHNS for 8 years and president of the CSHST for 10 years. A lifetime of work in the history of science, Professor Xi’s biography reflects the development of the field in China and is itself a valuable historiographical reference. According to Professor Xi, the years 1941, 1954, 1991, 2007 were important milestones in his life; 1956 and 1980 were pivotal years for the history of science in China as a discipline.

Key words Xi Zezong, history of science, Astronomy

A Brief Review on the Institutionalization of Research

for the History of Science in Modern China

Huang Xiaoru

(Center for Social Studies of Science, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China)

Abstract Based on the concepts of institutionalization used by international academic community, especially by R.K.Merton and J.Ben-David, this paper discusses the research on the institutionalization of sciences in modern China. It analyses four aspects: scientists, scientific institutions, scientific community and scientific norms. Then it points out that though such research has involved a lot of concepts, it mainly discussed institutionalization in the light of scientists and scientific institutions. Little research treated issues in the light of scientific community and scientific norms or as a whole. There is still no last word about institutionalization. The different between institutionalization and institution is still distinct. The research has problems and dissension about the approach of the institution, and has not summarized the special character of the institutionalization in modern China. Moreover, there are still some lack and even mistake about using historical literature.

 Key words institutionalization, scientist, institution, community, norm

Keplerian Physical Astronomy in the Chongzhen Lishu 

Wang Guoqiang　 Sun Xiaochun

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

Abstract Keplerian new astronomy marked the transition from mathematical astronomy to physical astronomy in the West. During the calendar reform of the Chongzhen period of the Ming dynasty, a great deal of Western astronomical knowledge was introduced into China, including Keplerian ideas on physical astronomy. The Chongzhen lishu introduced the Keplerian physical mechanics of the heavens, i.e., the use of a universal force to explain the motion of the whole planetary system with the sun at its center. The sun is the geometrical, kinetic, and dynamic center of the universe. By taking into consideration facts concerning its acceptance in the West, its transmission to China and the Chinese priorities of calendar reform, this paper investigates the influence of Keplerian physical astronomy on the Chongzhen lishu, and in particular, explains why Kepler’s planetary laws were not introduced.

Keywords: 　Kepler, physical astronomy, three laws of planetary motions, magnetic force, the Chongzhen lishu

In Search of the Basis of Traditional Chinese Medicine

－A Study on the Medicine Thought of Zhang Taiyan

Hu Yifeng

　　　(The Association of Chinese Politics, Beijing 100031,China)

Abstract 　Mr. Zhang Taiyan wrote a lot of works about traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) in his old age. Facing the debate of TCM and the Western medicine, Zhang tried hard to find a method of the development of TCM which be called the “ji” of TCM on the base of TCM developing itself.

Key words　 Zhang Taiyan,　　 Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM), Western medicine

An Explanation of Dian Shi Zhai Illustrated Magazine’s Painting of “Curing Epidemic Disease with Miraculous Efficacy” 

ZHANG Zhijie

（Center for General Education, Shih Hsin University, Taipei）

Abstract 　The first volume of Dian Shi Zhai Illustrated Magazine has a painting entitled “Curing Epidemic Disease with Miraculous Efficacy,” which depicts a French doctor treating a school child for epidemic disease. This is of Alexandre Yersin who discovered plague bacillus. The story’s narrative describes how Yersin ran the first experimental clinical trials of plague vaccine in Guangzhou, 1896.

Key words  Shenbao, Dian Shi Zhai Hua Bao, Alexandre Yersin, Epidemic Disease, Plague Vaccine

Thirty Years of Editing and Researching the Flora Reipublicae Popularis Sinicae 

CUI Hongbin (posthumous)

(Institute ofBotany, CAS, Beijing 100093, China)

Abstract The propject for editing  Flora Reipublicae Popularis Sinicae (FRPS) was started in 1958. In  1959 a editorial  committee was established. The project was finally finished  accomplished in 2004. It represents a high-level academic work by international standard. It has stimulated many overseas scholars to take part in the research in this field.  As the organizer and one of the major researchers of this project, the late Cui Hongbing gives a description of the ordeal of the editing of the FRPS, dividing its progress into five stages: that of proposing, preparing, researching, writing, and making breakthroughs. 

Key words　Reipublicae Popularis Sinicae，CUI Hongbin，editing

A Pioneer in Chinese Archaeology: A Review of Katheryn M. Linduff and Yan Sun’s Gender and Chinese Archaeology

Zhang Meifang 

(Research Centre for Science, Technology and Civilization, University of Science and Technology, Beijing 100083, China)

Abstract As with the history of science, feminist scholarship has emerged in archaeology in only the last 30 years. Nevertheless, it has had important influence on the field. Although there has been no lack of discussion about gender issues in the world of Chinese archeology, there have been few tangible results in the application of “gender archeology” theory and perspectives. American scholars Katheryn M. Linduff and Yan Sun have brought together a set of papers by foreign researchers on gender issues in Chinese archeology in a volume entitled Gender Research and Chinese Archeology. The book is arranged according to four periods: Neothlithic, Shang Dynasty, Zhou Dynasty and Han Dynasty. Discussion of each period is divided into several categories such as tombs and burial, village settlements, cultural relics, and literature. The publication of the translation of this book will further stimulate attention on gender research in Chinese archeology and advance the field. It will also provide the history of technology a valuable reference.

Key words  Gender and Chinese Archaeology，Gender study，Archaeology

Wang Zhe

(Institute of STS, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China)

Abstract: Through an analysis of Hobbes and Boyles’ debate over how experimental science can produce knowledge, Shapin and Schaffer’s Leviathan and the Air-Pump reveals the various social and political strategies that were employed in disputes over the legitimacy of different claims to knowledge during the formative period of experimental science. In the historiography of science, the book also opened up the path to constructivist history of science, carving out a new research perspective and theory.

Key words: Leviathan and the Air-Pump: Hobbes, Boyle and the Experimental Life, constructivism, historiography of science

An Inspiration in Research on the History of Chinese Needlework Technology

A Review of Veiled Beauty ——The Culture of Chinese Needlework

REN Yufeng

（Inner Mongolia University, Huhhot 010021, China）

Abstract: Veiled Beauty— The Culture of Chinese Needlework is Hu Ping’s completed work based on his doctoral dissertation. through fieldwork and textual research, the author uses a cultural anthropology perspective to construct a narrative history and cultural theory of needlework, revealing the “beauty” of the traditional craft. Reviewing the work from the standpoint of the history of technology, we find that the content and theoretical view of the book is in fact very pertinent to research in the history of technology. This work not only brings research on needlework into the scope of the history of Chinese technology but also adds important multidisciplinary insights from the perspectives of anthropology and the sociology of gender.

Key words: Veiled Beauty—The Culture of Chinese Needlework，needlework，cultural anthropology，gender studies，history of technology

An Important Chapter  in the Republic’s Establishment of an Industrial Base

—Commentary on Soviet Transfer of Technology to China 1949—1966

 

Dai Wusan

(The Institute for History of Science and Technology and Ancient Texts, Tsinghua University, 100084，China)

Abstract  Assessing the impact of the publication of Soviet Transfer of Technology to China 1949—1966on the traditional approach to the history of technology, the reviewers laud the author’s efforts to “Probe the establishment and development of modern technology in 1950s-60s China from the perspective of ‘technology transfer.’” This book pioneers a new research direction within China in the field of history of technology. Looking over the structure of the book, one can see the combination of the general thread in the historical sequence of events along with important points for special attention. The chosen case studies are representative and the analysis persuasive. The author’s discussion of the unique importance and influence of Soviet technology transfer to China urges reflection on the topic and the need to delve still deeper.

Key words  The transfer of Soviet technology to China 1949—1966，history of technology，technology transfer, Soviet experts