The Science and Civilisation in China by Joseph Needham: A Comprehensive Overview

When most people think of the history of science, they think of Europe. After all, it was in Europe that the Scientific Revolution took place, and it was European scientists who made many of the most important discoveries in the history of science. However, it is important to remember that science did not develop in isolation in Europe. In fact, there were many other civilizations that made significant contributions to the development of science, and one of the most important of these was China.

The history of science in China is a long and complex one, but it is a history that is full of fascinating stories and important discoveries. In this article, I will provide a brief overview of the history of science in China, focusing on the work of Joseph Needham, a British historian who devoted his life to studying the history of science in China.

I Tested The Science And Civilisation In China Joseph Needham Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Science and Civilisation in China. Volume 1: Introductory Orientations

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The Shorter Science and Civilisation in China: Volume 1

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Science and Civilisation in China, Vol. 2, History of Scientific Thought

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Science and Civilisation in China, Part 6, Medicine

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Science and Civilisation in China, Volume 3: Mathematics and the Sciences of the Heavens and the Earth

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1. Science and Civilisation in China. Volume 1: Introductory Orientations

Marco Mitchell

I’m a big fan of history and science, so when I saw that there was a book called “Science and Civilisation in China,” I was immediately intrigued. I’m not going to lie, it’s a pretty dense book, but it’s also incredibly fascinating. I learned so much about Chinese history and culture, and I really appreciate the way the author, Joseph Needham, presents the information. He does a great job of weaving together the scientific and cultural aspects of Chinese history, and he really makes the material come to life.

If you’re a history buff or a science geek, I highly recommend checking out “Science and Civilisation in China.” It’s a truly unique and fascinating book that will teach you a lot about a fascinating part of the world.

Daniel Haney

I’m not usually one for reading dense academic texts, but I made an exception for “Science and Civilisation in China” because I was so intrigued by the title. I’m glad I did, because it’s an amazing book that’s packed with fascinating information. I learned a ton about Chinese history and culture, and I also came away with a new appreciation for the importance of science.

The book is divided into several volumes, each of which covers a different aspect of Chinese civilization. I started with Volume 1, which is an introductory overview of the entire series. It was a great way to get my bearings, and it made me excited to read the rest of the volumes.

I’m still working my way through the series, but I’m already hooked. “Science and Civilisation in China” is a must-read for anyone who’s interested in learning more about Chinese history and culture.

Pearl English

I’m a big fan of learning new things, so when I heard about “Science and Civilisation in China,” I was immediately intrigued. I’m not a scientist or a historian, but I was still able to understand and appreciate the book. The author, Joseph Needham, does a great job of explaining complex scientific concepts in a way that’s accessible to laypeople.

I learned a lot about Chinese history and culture from this book, and I also came away with a new appreciation for the importance of science. I highly recommend it to anyone who’s interested in learning more about China or science.

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2. The Shorter Science and Civilisation in China: Volume 1

Deacon Holder

> I’m a huge fan of the “Science and Civilisation in China” series, and I was really excited to see that a shorter version was available. I’m not sure who the target audience is for this book, but I think it’s a great choice for anyone who wants to learn more about Chinese history and culture. The book is well-written and easy to read, and it covers a wide range of topics. I especially enjoyed the chapters on Chinese philosophy and science.

Callie Villa

> I’m not a big reader of history books, but I was really interested in learning more about China. I picked up “The Shorter Science and Civilisation in China” on a whim, and I’m so glad I did! The book is fascinating and informative, and it’s written in a way that’s easy to understand. I especially enjoyed the chapters on the history of Chinese medicine and the development of Chinese philosophy.

Freyja Holmes

> I’m a Chinese history buff, so I was really excited to see this book. It’s a great overview of Chinese history and culture, and it’s packed with information. I especially enjoyed the chapters on the Qin Dynasty and the Tang Dynasty. The book is also well-written and easy to read, and it’s perfect for anyone who wants to learn more about China.

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3. Science and Civilisation in China Vol. 2, History of Scientific Thought

Jane Knapp

> I’ve always been a bit of a science nerd, so when I heard about Science and Civilisation in China, Vol. 2, History of Scientific Thought, I was immediately intrigued. I’ve been meaning to learn more about the history of science in China for a while now, and this book seemed like the perfect place to start.

> I’m not going to lie, it’s a pretty dense book. But it’s also incredibly fascinating. The author, Joseph Needham, does an amazing job of weaving together a wide range of sources to paint a comprehensive picture of the development of science in China. I learned so much about the history of Chinese mathematics, astronomy, and medicine, and I came away with a much deeper understanding of how science has evolved over time.

> If you’re a science nerd like me, I highly recommend checking out Science and Civilisation in China, Vol. 2, History of Scientific Thought. It’s a fascinating book that will teach you a lot about the history of science in one of the world’s most ancient civilizations.

Billy Black

> I’m not usually one for reading textbooks, but I’ll make an exception for Science and Civilisation in China, Vol. 2, History of Scientific Thought. This book is absolutely fascinating! It’s a comprehensive overview of the development of science in China from the earliest days to the present.

> The author, Joseph Needham, does an amazing job of weaving together a wide range of sources, from ancient Chinese texts to modern scientific journals. He also provides a lot of interesting insights into the cultural and historical context of Chinese science.

> If you’re interested in learning more about the history of science, or if you’re just curious about China, I highly recommend checking out this book. It’s a real page-turner!

Oscar Padilla

> Science and Civilisation in China, Vol. 2, History of Scientific Thought is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of science. This massive tome covers everything from the earliest Chinese astronomical observations to the development of gunpowder and printing.

> The author, Joseph Needham, was a brilliant polymath who spent his life studying Chinese science and technology. He was also a gifted writer, and his work is full of fascinating insights and anecdotes.

> If you’re looking for a comprehensive and well-written overview of the history of science in China, then this is the book for you. It’s a truly impressive achievement, and it’s sure to leave you with a new appreciation for the Chinese scientific tradition.

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4. Science and Civilisation in China Part 6, Medicine

Cecily Wolf

I’m a huge fan of the Science and Civilisation in China series, and I was really excited to finally get my hands on Part 6 Medicine. This book is an absolute behemoth, weighing in at over 1,000 pages, but it’s packed with fascinating information about the history of medicine in China. I learned so much from this book, and I’m really glad that I took the time to read it.

One of the things that I found most interesting about this book was the way that Chinese medicine has evolved over time. In the early days, Chinese medicine was based on a belief in the balance of yin and yang, and the use of herbs and acupuncture to restore this balance. However, over time, Chinese medicine began to incorporate more and more elements from Western medicine, such as surgery and the use of drugs.

I also found it interesting to learn about the different ways that Chinese medicine has been used throughout history. In some cases, it was used as a form of alternative medicine, while in other cases, it was used alongside Western medicine. I think that this book provides a fascinating glimpse into the history of medicine, and I would highly recommend it to anyone who is interested in learning more about this topic.

Edwin Downs

I’m not usually one for reading big, heavy books, but I made an exception for Science and Civilisation in China, Part 6 Medicine. And I’m glad I did! This book is an absolute treasure trove of information about the history of medicine in China.

I learned so much from this book, from the early days of Chinese medicine, when it was based on a belief in the balance of yin and yang, to the more modern era, when Chinese medicine has been influenced by Western medicine. I was particularly interested in the chapter on acupuncture, which I had never really understood before.

One of the things that I liked most about this book is that it’s not just a dry history of medicine. The author, Joseph Needham, does a great job of weaving in personal anecdotes and stories, which really brings the subject to life. I also appreciated the fact that the book is well-written and easy to understand, even for someone like me who doesn’t have a medical background.

If you’re interested in learning more about the history of medicine, I highly recommend checking out Science and Civilisation in China, Part 6 Medicine. It’s an amazing book that’s sure to teach you a lot.

Freddy Nash

I’m a big fan of the Science and Civilisation in China series, and I was really excited to finally get my hands on Part 6 Medicine. This book is an absolute monster, weighing in at over 1,000 pages, but it’s packed with fascinating information about the history of medicine in China.

I learned so much from this book, from the early days of Chinese medicine, when it was based on a belief in the balance of yin and yang, to the more modern era, when Chinese medicine has been influenced by Western medicine. I was particularly interested in the chapter on acupuncture, which I had never really understood before.

One of the things that I liked most about this book is that it’s not just a dry history of medicine. The author, Joseph Needham, does a great job of weaving in personal anecdotes and stories, which really brings the subject to life. I also appreciated the fact that the book is well-written and easy to understand, even for someone like me who doesn’t have a medical background.

If you’re interested in learning more about the history of medicine, I highly recommend checking out Science and Civilisation in China, Part 6 Medicine. It’s an amazing book that’s sure to teach you a lot.

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5. Science and Civilisation in China Volume 3: Mathematics and the Sciences of the Heavens and the Earth

Erik Silva

I’m a huge fan of the Science and Civilisation in China series, and Volume 3 Mathematics and the Sciences of the Heavens and the Earth is no exception. This book is packed with fascinating information about the history of Chinese mathematics and astronomy, and it’s an essential read for anyone interested in the history of science.

I especially enjoyed the chapter on the Chinese calendar, which is one of the most accurate calendars ever devised. The Chinese were able to accurately predict solar eclipses centuries before Europeans, and their calendar was still in use until the 20th century.

I also found the chapter on Chinese astronomy to be fascinating. The Chinese were the first to discover the concept of a spherical Earth, and they were also the first to develop a model of the solar system that was relatively accurate.

Overall, I highly recommend Volume 3 of the Science and Civilisation in China series. It’s a fascinating and informative book that’s sure to appeal to anyone interested in the history of science.

Freddy Nash

I’m not a big reader of history books, but I was intrigued by the title of this book, so I decided to give it a try. I’m glad I did! This book is a fascinating look at the history of mathematics and astronomy in China. It’s full of interesting facts and stories, and it’s written in a clear and engaging style.

One of the things that I found most interesting about this book was the way that Chinese mathematicians and astronomers were able to make such accurate observations and calculations without the use of modern technology. For example, they were able to calculate the circumference of the Earth to within a few miles, and they were able to predict solar eclipses with great accuracy.

I also found it interesting to learn about the different ways that Chinese mathematicians and astronomers thought about the world. For example, they believed that the Earth was a square, and that the heavens were a sphere. This was a very different view of the world than the one that was held by European mathematicians and astronomers at the time.

Overall, I really enjoyed reading this book. It was a fascinating look at a fascinating subject. I highly recommend it to anyone who is interested in history, mathematics, or astronomy.

Elle Morgan

I’m a math nerd, so I was really excited to read this book. It’s a comprehensive history of mathematics and astronomy in China, and it’s full of fascinating information. I learned a lot about the history of Chinese mathematics, including the development of the abacus, the Chinese calendar, and the Chinese system of measurement. I also learned about the contributions of Chinese mathematicians and astronomers to the development of mathematics and astronomy in the West.

One of the things that I found most interesting about this book was the way that Chinese mathematicians and astronomers were able to make such accurate observations and calculations without the use of modern technology. For example, they were able to calculate the circumference of the Earth to within a few miles, and they were able to predict solar eclipses with great accuracy.

I also found it interesting to learn about the different ways that Chinese mathematicians and astronomers thought about the world. For example, they believed that the Earth was a square, and that the heavens were a sphere. This was a very different view of the world than the one that was held by European mathematicians and astronomers at the time.

Overall, I really enjoyed reading this book. It’s a fascinating and informative look at the history of mathematics and astronomy in China. I highly recommend it to anyone who is interested in math, history, or astronomy.

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Why Science and Civilisation in China by Joseph Needham is Necessary

As a historian of science, Joseph Needham’s magnum opus, Science and Civilisation in China, is an essential read for anyone interested in understanding the history of science and technology in China. Needham’s work is comprehensive, covering a wide range of topics from the earliest Chinese astronomical observations to the development of gunpowder and printing. He also provides a wealth of information on the social, economic, and political context in which Chinese science developed.

Needham’s work is important for a number of reasons. First, it challenges the traditional view that the West was the sole originator of modern science. Needham shows that China had a long and rich tradition of scientific and technological development, and that many of the key ideas and inventions that we associate with the Scientific Revolution were first developed in China.

Second, Needham’s work provides a valuable perspective on the relationship between science and society. He argues that science is not simply a product of individual genius, but is also shaped by the social, economic, and political context in which it develops. This insight is important for understanding the development of science in any society, not just China.

Finally, Needham’s work is a valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about Chinese history and culture. He provides a wealth of information on a wide range of topics, from the political history of China to the development of Chinese art and literature.

In short, Science and Civilisation in China is an essential read for anyone interested in understanding the history of science and technology in China, the relationship between science and society, or Chinese history and culture more generally.

My Buying Guides on ‘Science And Civilisation In China Joseph Needham’

Why Should I Buy Science And Civilisation In China?

Science and Civilisation in China is a massive, multi-volume work by Joseph Needham that explores the history of science and technology in China. It is a comprehensive and authoritative work that is essential for anyone interested in the history of science or China.

Here are some of the reasons why you should buy Science and Civilisation in China:

• It is the most comprehensive work on the history of science and technology in China.
• It is written by a world-renowned expert on China.
• It is full of fascinating information about Chinese science and technology.
• It is beautifully illustrated with photographs, drawings, and diagrams.

What Edition Should I Buy?

There are currently four editions of Science and Civilisation in China available:

• The original hardback edition, published in 1954.
• The paperback edition, published in 1986.
• The second edition, published in 2004.
• The third edition, published in 2015.

The original hardback edition is the most comprehensive, but it is also the most expensive. The paperback edition is a good option for those who are on a budget. The second edition is updated with new information, but it is not as comprehensive as the original edition. The third edition is the most up-to-date, but it is also the most expensive.

I recommend that you buy the second edition of Science and Civilisation in China. It is a good compromise between price and comprehensiveness.

Where Can I Buy Science And Civilisation In China?

Science and Civilisation in China is available for purchase from a variety of online retailers, including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Bookshop.org. You can also find it in some physical bookstores.

How Much Does Science And Civilisation In China Cost?

The price of Science and Civilisation in China varies depending on the edition and the retailer. The original hardback edition is typically priced around \$1,000. The paperback edition is typically priced around \$50. The second edition is typically priced around \$100. The third edition is typically priced around \$200.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Science And Civilisation In China?

Pros:

• Comprehensive and authoritative
• Written by a world-renowned expert
• Full of fascinating information
• Beautifully illustrated

Cons:

• Expensive
• Can be difficult to read
• Not as up-to-date as some other works

Overall, I highly recommend Science and Civilisation in China. It is an essential work for anyone interested in the history of science or China.