Science and Civilisation in China. Volume 5. Chemistry and Chemical Technology. Part 4: Spagyrical Discovery and Invention: Apparatus, Theories and Gifts

Needham, Joseph (in collaboration with Ho Ping-Yu & Lu Gwei-Djen & a contribution by Nathan Sivin)

ISBN 10: 052108573X / ISBN 13: 9780521085731

Published by Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 1980

About this Item

Very good hardback copy in very good dustjacket in protective cover. xlviii, 772pp.

Seller Inventory # 037651

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Science and Civilisation in China. Volume 5. Chemistry and Chemical Technology. Part 4: Spagyrical Discovery and Invention: Apparatus, Theories and Gifts
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press, Cambridge
• Publication Date: 1980
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 052108573X
• ISBN 13: 9780521085731
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition: First Edition.
• Condition: Very Good
• Dust Jacket Condition: Very Good
• Book Type: Book

About this title

Synopsis

The fifth volume of Dr Needham's immense undertaking, like the fourth, is subdivided into parts for ease of assimilation and presentation, each part bound and published separately. The volume as a whole covers the subjects of alchemy, early chemistry, and chemical technology (which includes military invention, especially gunpowder and rockets; paper and printing; textiles; mining and metallurgy; the salt industry; and ceramics).

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