- Diagrams and explanations of the wonderful machines of the Far West
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Diagrams and explanations of the wonderful machines of the Far West (Chinese: Yuanxi qiqi tushuo luzui, 遠西奇器圖說錄最, often abridged as Qiqi tushuo, 奇器圖說) was an encyclopedia of Western mechanical devices translated into Chinese by the Jesuit Johann Schreck (1576-1630), and the Chinese scholar Wang Zheng (王徵 1571–1644).[1] This book was the first to present Western mechanical knowledge to a Chinese audience.[2] The book was published in 1627.[3]
Particularly, the works of the Italian engineers Agostino Ramelli or Vittorio Zonca were reproduced in this translation,[4][5] as well as those of the French engineer Jacques Besson.[6] Plates depicted European machine were reproduced quite precisely, although in a Chinese pictorial style.[7]
See also
Notes
References
- Susan Deacy, Alexandra Villing Athena in the Classical World BRILL, 2001 ISBN 9004121420
- Brian Scott Baigrie Picturing Knowledge: Historical and Philosophical Problems Concerning the Use of Art in Science University of Toronto Press, 1996 ISBN 0802074391
- Joseph Needham, Ling Wang, Gwei-Djen Lu Science and civilisation in China Cambridge University Press, 1965 ISBN 0521058031
Categories:- Chinese literature
- 1627 books
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