This small volume is not a recent publication, but is full of valuable and absorbing information. Well known technology writer Frank Ross Jr. has presented an all-encompassing review of the achievements from Chinese antiquity.

It is indeed a compelling story where, we learn that many of the scientific methods and measurements, instruments, machinery, designs and plain old gadgets date from millennia before they were even thought of or used in the Western world. This is not by any means a deep study, but a simple surface-skimming, supported by an excellent list of additional reading.

The writing style ensures that this is an engaging, easy read. You will be taken effortlessly from 3000 BCE right up to the 17th century and on to the late 20th century.

The author’s aim in this book is to make us aware that ancient China was a sophisticated, intellectual and accomplished civilisation. He points out with sometimes irritating regularity that Western civilisations were always many hundreds of years, if not millennia behind China. This is forgivable given his enthusiastic writing style.

He is able to convey genuine excitement as he races through the chapters. Due to the nature of the content, this review will also by necessity be very like a book report.

The book is broadly organised into two sections; Science and Technology/Innovation. Chapters 1, 2 & 3 deal with the sciences of Astronomy, Medicine, Physical and Biological Sciences. Chapters 4, 5, and 6 are concerned with Paper/printing/gunpowder/compass; Inventions, and lastly, Engineering.

Ancient Chinese astronomers kept immaculate records on happenings in their skies. The ‘oracle bones’ of the title are how they recorded their calculations and observations before the arrival of silk and paper. The reader is shown how systematic records were made of eclipses, comets, novas and supernovas. These are all remarkably accurate by today’s standards. Astronomers working in close partnerships with mathematicians also developed star charts and classification systems. The armillary sphere was also built and used in China.

Medicine in ancient China is shown as complex. Due to the adoption of Confucianism, the physicians never concerned themselves with dissection or surgery. The philosophy was to keep respect for and honour the ancestors, by maintaining the integrity of the body.

As a consequence, they developed high levels of diagnosis by external means. These included diagnosis by pulse, complexion, tongue and eyes. Taoism and its spread as a spiritual ‘way’ led to the balance of Ying/Yang or opposite energies in the body. Physicians also adopted the five element theory: earth, wood, water, fire, and metal.

A more natural way of life also brought forth many thousands of herbs and potion combinations as treatment. Many lack any therapeutic value, but some are now used by the West as major therapeutic drugs. Among these are ephedrine, adrenalins, and zinc sulphate.

Two major treatments still used and highly valued in China today are acupuncture and moxabustion. Acupuncture has been adopted by the West as a valuable medical tool and research has shown that the energy lines, or ‘meridians’ have value.

In the physical and biological sciences, we have much to thank the ancient Chinese scientists. The use of lodestone and its magnetism led to the development of a compass centuries before the West, and this helped in exploration and trade. Mathematics, which did not have the zero (an Indian innovation), nevertheless reached great heights in astronomy. Algebra was also used to a high level.

Written evidence shows that the Chinese also had the concept of what is called the Pascal Triangle. Pragmatic math was first performed by finger-counting, then knotted string, then by the precursor of the modern calculator, the abacus. The abacus was powerful, portable and allowed calculations of a very high order. When this reviewer visited China in early 1978, the click-clack of the abacus was to be heard in every bank and trading house.

In geography the best innovations were in mapmaking. The development of a grid overlay was an important concept, still used today. Author Ross points out that few of the original maps survive due to the degradable materials from which they were made. They were originally recorded on bones, wood, then silk. It was not until the use of paper that maps became more permanent. A detailed record of earthquakes was also kept and an early version of a seismograph used.

The classification of plants and herbs accompanied by botanical drawings were probably first developed in the Middle Kingdom. These were printed from woodblocks.

In the technology area the list is endless, with paper, printing, metal casting, and maybe the widest known achievement, porcelain. Pottery and porcelain reached such a high level that it now takes its very name from China. Also invented in China were the kite, the wheelbarrow, mechanical clocks, silk textiles, the paddlewheel, watertight compartments in ships and many, many more. All have a fascinating history as told by the author.

In this book, do not expect the entire history of ancient Chinese science and technology. This is a brief survey that alerts the reader to the history of many things taken for granted in our everyday world that were first developed in the East.

China developed its own science in isolation from the rest of the world. Firstly, because of its geographic location. Secondly, because the ancient Chinese cosmological view put it at the centre of the universe. Hence the name, “The Middle Kingdom.” It is well to give credit to original work that has been of benefit to the whole world.

This is an enjoyable read that will delight and amaze those interested in the history of science and technology.

– Reviewed by Jennifer Hoskins in New Dawn No. 88