Studies in the History of Natural Sciences  NO.4 2008 

The Franklin Institute and the Industrializational Process in the Nineteenth Century Philadelphia

YUAN Jiangyang, DONG Yazheng

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

Abstract　The history of the Franklin Institute affords us an exciting example of the socio-cultural history of science and technology, and studying it may tell us the co-existence and co-variation relationship between science, technology, industry and society. This paper discerns an active group from the members of the institute that consisted of important industrialists who owned their own factories and technologies and shared similar social ideas. It is the members of this group who co-created the institute in 1824 and made decisions on what should be done and how to do for it. Basing on what is mentioned abore, the authors examine on the institute's activities on education, technological research and industrial exhibition and show the role that the institute had played in the industrializational process in the nineteenth century Philadelphia.

Key words　The Franklin Institute, mechanics' movement, the academization of technology, exhibitions, the industrializational process in Philadelphia.

Faraday's Research on Electromagnetic Rotation

WANG Luoyin, HU Huakai

(University of Science & Technology of China, Department of History of Science & Technology and Archaeometry, Hefei 230026, China)

Abstract　In this article, the authors illustrate Faraday's experiment progress of discovering the phenomena of electromagnetic rotation and his other correlative researches. By comparing Faraday's research with Ampère's & Wollaston's researches, they explain Faraday's research uses for reference of both Ampère's & Wollaston's researches, but Faraday has his own characteristic methods during his progress, which is the reason for his success. In the article, they also reveal the exact cause of Faraday's research, the original experimental instrument and the guide line, and then clarify some differences & mistakes of former researches, ending with a discussion on Faraday's research method and scientific ideas.

Key words　Faraday, electromagnetic rotation, Ampère, Wollaston, Faraday's Diary

San Tong Qi and Ancient Chinese Alchemy

RONG Zhiyi

(Social Studies Centre of Science and Technology College, Guangxi University for Nationalities, Nanning 530006, China)

Abstract　Written by Wei Boyang in the Eastern Han Dynasty, San Tong Qi marks the birth of the ancient Chinese theory of alchemy system, and produced a far-reaching impact on Taoist Alchemy in various theories of creation and the development of practice. From Tang and Song dynasties on, the opinions of later generations of scholars on the contents of San Tong Qi are different, but with the full and detailed research, it is found that the alchemy theory of San Tong Qi was included in the main system as the four following aspects “Small Universe Theory of Drug Cans”, “The Generation and Compound of the Drug ”, “Five Elements Reaction Theory of the Drug” and “The Theory of Lead and Mercury ”, at the same time suggesting the effects of temporal and spatial concentration of the alchemy of the Taoist doctrine, as well as the concepts of “Jin Jing” and “Shui Ji” which decide the high value of the drug and “Two Hole” principle.

Key words　“Small Universe Theory of the Drug Cans”, “The Generation and Compound of the Drug”, “Five Elements Reaction Theory of the Drug” and “The Theory of Lead and Mercury”

The Western Anti-psychiatric Movement in the 20th Century

LI Yaming

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

Abstract　The anti-psychiatry movement is an important cultural event in the western history. This paper discusses the inducements from psychiatry and out of psychiatry that caused such a movement. Based on that, the paper also explores the interaction between anti-psychiatry movement and anti-cultural movement. By reviewing the viewpoints of some of the leaders of the anti-cultural movement, it shows how this movement constructed the image of the insane at that time. Finally, it reviews the movement of consumerism, which is regarded as the result and the continuance of the anti-psychiatry movement. 

The Western Anti-psychiatric Movement in the 20th Century

LI Yaming

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

Abstract　The anti-psychiatry movement is an important cultural event in the western history. This paper discusses the inducements from psychiatry and out of psychiatry that caused such a movement. Based on that, the paper also explores the interaction between anti-psychiatry movement and anti-cultural movement. By reviewing the viewpoints of some of the leaders of the anti-cultural movement, it shows how this movement constructed the image of the insane at that time. Finally, it reviews the movement of consumerism, which is regarded as the result and the continuance of the anti-psychiatry movement. 

Key words　psychiatry, anti-psychiatry, anti-cultural, consumerism

The Records of “Er” in Chinese Annals Are Not Solar Prominences

WANG Yumin

(Beijing Ancient Observatory, Beijing Planetarium, Beijing 100005, China)

Abstract　After analyzing the records of “er” (solar ear jade) in Chinese annals, and textual researching the meanings of “er” and the origin of modern terms “solar prominences” and “parhelion”, this paper concludes that the records of so-called celestial phenomena “er” are atmospheric optical phenomena—parhelion, and the modern terms “solar prominences” are borrowed from ancient terms. All the records of “er” in Chinese annals are not solar prominences.

Key words　solar ear jade (er), parhelion, solar eclipse, solar prominences

Research on Wu's Method and Japanese Geometry

XU Zelin

(College of Mathematics, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin 300387,China)

Abstract　In anaqlysing the mathematical characteristics of algebraical geometry in Song and Yuan Dynasties, this paper Points out that the unique character of Song and Yuan metamathematics consists in its abstract and formalized algebraic operation, explores the process of Wasan absorbing the Tianyuan method and algebraical geometry as well as the development of Japanese geometry, discusses the accomplishment in the field of eliminant of polynomial equation in Wasan and its significance to modern computational algebra, and finally introduces by concrete case the function of the mathematical mechanization including Wu's mothod and Grbner basis-method in Japanese geometry.

Key words　Wu's method，Grbner basis-method，mathematics of Song and Yuan Dynasties，Japanese geometry，Kaifukudai

A Historical Survey: Why did Lagrange Redefine the Complete Integral of a First-order Partial Differential Equation

JIA Xiaoyong，

(School of Mathematics and Statistics, Chongqing university of Arts and Sciences, Yongchuan 402160,China)

YUAN Min

（Research Center for the History of Mathematics and Science, Northwest University, Xi'an 710069, China）

Abstract　Euler and Lagrange gave different definitions for the concept of the complete integral respectively in 1770 and 1774. As the foundation of his first-order partial differential equation theory, Lagrange' s definition plays an important role in his general integral theory. Based on a delicate comparison and analysis between the two definitions，the reasons why Lagrange redefined the complete integral of a first-order partial differential equation are revealed. On the one hand, Lagrange hit upon the new idea to redefine the complete integral when he was inspired by his study on the first-order partial differential equation with the method of variation of constants. While he used this new idea to research the ordinary differential equation, he explained the singular integral successfully. Inspired by his method, Lagrange formally put forward his new concept of the complete integral. On the other hand, his new definition showed his spirit of pursuing the general solution of the partial differential equation.　

Key words　J. L. Lagrange，first-order partial differential equation，complete integral，variation of constants，singular solution

Zhang Wenshou's Contributions to Traditional Metrology

JI Yongliang

(Department of the History and Philosophy of Science, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030,China)

Abstract　Zhang Wenshou ever contrived a new kind of square standard measure in Tang Dynasty. On the one hand, his square measure carried forward the characteristics of bronze square sheng of Shang Yang during Qin of the Warring States. System error caused by pi during the manufacture of circular measure was wholly averted on his square measure. On the other hand, Zhang Wenshou absorbed the advantage of combining the five capacity measures in one on the bronze standard measure of Wang Mang during Xin. His square measure also included the five capacity measures, namely yue, ge, sheng, dou and hu. This kind of design was really advanced comparatively then. For a variety of reasons, his square standard measure did not gain deserved attention in Tang Dynasty. However, Zhang Wenshou's square standard measure affected the manufacture of the square measure to a certain extent in later ages. In Qing Dynasty, square standard measure at the time of the reign of Emperor Qian Long imitated the shape of Zhang Wenshou's square standard measure.

Key words　Zhang Wenshou, square standard measure, Tang Dynasty, history of metrology

A Re-investigation of Records on “Mars Staying at Xin”

LIU Ciyuan，

(National Time Service Center, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shaanxi Lintong 710600, China)

WU Limin

(Xinghang Trade Company, Tianjin 300204, China)

Abstract　In ancient Chinese astrology, “Mars staying at Xin” is one of the most adverse conditions.It is shown by the research of Huang Yi-Long that most of those records in Chinese history were falsifications. The authors of this paper have found more such records and have conducted deeper investigation. Despite the mistake rate higher than other celestial phenomena, many of the untrue records of “Mars staying at Xin” can be traced to copying errors. The authors have discovered one or more items with deliberate alternation of time, but there is no evidence of intentional falsifications for catering to particular social events.

Key words　ancient astronomical records, Mars, Mars staying at Xin, astrology