This document summarizes key scientific and technological achievements throughout Chinese history from 7000 BC to the early 20th century. It notes discoveries in astronomy, mathematics, medicine, and technology developed through observation and experimentation. These included inventions like the compass, gunpowder, papermaking, printing, agricultural tools, water wheels, matches, and advances in mathematics, astronomy, and scientific theories. The document also discusses Joseph Needham's work highlighting these achievements and the "Needham Question" on why scientific revolution occurred in Europe but not China.

1. Scientific and Technological
Achievements
Richard Evans

2. Some Key Dates
• 7000-2100BC : Prehistory
• 2100-1600BC : Xia Dynasty
• c1600BC-1046BC : Shang Dynasty
• 1045BC-256BC : Zhou Dynasty
• 206 BC-220 AD : Han Dynasty
• 265 AD-420 : Jin Dynasty
• 618-907 : Tang Dynasty
• 960-1279 : Song Dynasty
• 1368-1644 : Ming Dynasty
• 1644-1911 : Qing Dynasty
(Historical classifications: Ancient (7000-221BC). Imperial (221BC-1911) and
Modern (1912+).
BC more often referred to as BCE namely Before the Common Era.

3. Introduction
• The Chinese made very many significant
advances in astronomy, mathematics,
medicine, technology and science. Discoveries
and inventions were developed through
observation and scientific experimentation.
• Little or no awareness in the West of these
achievements until the late 15/16th century.

4. Introduction continued
• The discoveries included far more than the
often quoted Four Great Inventions namely
the compass, gunpowder, papermaking and
printing.

5. Examples of Inventions
A few examples to illustrate the range of the
ingenuity of the Chinese:
• Agricultural implements. Metal tools and
implements. Plough. Seed Drill. Sluice gate.
Pumps. Waterwheel. Wheelbarrow. Cross bow.
Gunpowder. Military weaponry. Dry docks. Stern
mounted rudder. Propeller. Horse collar. Stirrup.
Grid reference for map making. Hot air balloons.
Parachute. Seismometer. Time pieces. Calendars.
Star charts. Water clock. Matches.

6. Examples of other Innovations
• Several kinds of bridges. Road and canal
construction. Building design. Dams. Irrigation
systems. Major works of architecture e.g. the
Great Wall 220BC+ and other major defensive
walls and temples. The first paper banknotes.
Porcelain/ceramics/pottery. Farming
methods/techniques. Wide range of varnishes
and lacquers. Ship design. Mining technology.

7. Even more Discoveries
In mathematics:
• Concept of Zero. Negative numbers . Pascal’s
triangle. Pythagorean theorem. Square /cube
roots. Approximations of pi. Decimal/fraction
notations. Equations.
• In astronomy:
First observation of supernova. First atlas of
comets. Observation of sunspots and lunar
eclipses. Planetary movements. Application of
mathematics to astronomy. Mathematics applied
to music theory.

8. Scientific Method-Hypotheses and
Theories
Many commentators have highlighted the lack
of solid scientific reasoning and theory. Even if
one accepts this criticism Chinese thinkers
proposed a number of hypotheses which were
in accord with modern principles of science
namely: theory of rainbows/mirages. Causes
of lunar eclipses and theories of planets and
satellites, metrological theories e.g. the water
cycle. Geological and climatological theories.

9. Joseph Needham
(1900-1995)
• Joseph Needham was largely responsible for
bringing the world’s attention to these
amazing achievements.
• His encyclopaedic work ‘Science and
Civilisation in China’ is a masterpiece and
quite unique in the history of publication.

10. The Needham Question/Problem
Refers to the guiding question Needham proffered
in his writings:
• Why did China not develop a scientific revolution
and why did Chinese technology fall behind that
of Europe?
Or expressed another way:
• Why did modern science not develop in Chinese
civilisation but only in Europe. He asked the same
question about the Indian civilisation?

11. Possible Reasons
A wide range of hypotheses have been put
forward namely: Cultural. Economic.
Geographical. Philosophical. Political.
Interventions from European nations.
Religious.

12. References
• ‘Science and Civilisation in China’ J. Needham
etal. CUP. 1954+. 25 volumes so far.