Science and Civilisation in China: Volume 5, Chemistry and Chemical Technology, Part 2, Spagyrical Discovery and Invention: Magisteries of Gold and ... Magisteries of Gold and Immortality: 005 - Hardcover

Needham, Joseph

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0521085713 ISBN 13: 9780521085717

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 1974

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).

About this title

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

Book Description:

Joseph Needham's Science and Civilisation in China series caused a seismic shift in western perceptions of China. But why did the scientific and industrial revolutions not happen in China? In the concluding volume of this series, Needham reflects on this question and gives fascinating insights into his great intellectual quest.

About this edition

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 1974
• ISBN 10: 0521085713
• ISBN 13: 9780521085717
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 600