Li, Qi and Shu: An Introduction to Science and Civilization in China

by Ho Peng Yoke, Peng Y. Ho

An appreciation of "li", "qi" and "shu" is essential for a better understanding of Chinese science and Chinese civilization as a whole, and to illustrate these concepts, three areas of Chinese science have been selected - mathematics, astronomy and alchemy.

262 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1985

Reviews

[Zhitian Wu · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have never read a book like this before. It gives a introduction to the development of several subjects -- including maths, chemistry, astrology -- in chronological order.

In ancient China, science is based on "common sense" and emphasizes on "application". For example,
- how to measure the size of an area,
- how to produce panacea,
- how to design a lunar calender, and
- what the weather will probably be like in a certain period of the year.

In modern world, we took a different approach which is based on the creative work of many smart people. We now have our own computing machines, dive deep into atomic/molecular/cellular level, and explore the universe. However, we are still far from understanding things like how nature works because they are too complex to be decoded.

What will be the future of science and our society? Only time will tell.

[PMP · Rating 3 out of 5]

Weirder than science fiction. Only when writing about the history of mathematics in China would one also write about poetry. Containing an excellent discourse on alchemy and the ruinous quest for the Golden Elixir.