Science and Civilisation in China Vol.5:Part 13:Chemistry and Chemical Technology:Mining
Editorial CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY PRESS
Mainland Spain
- Publisher CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY PRESS
- ISBN13 9780521580007
- ISBN10 0521580005
- Type Book
Science and Civilisation in China Vol.5:Part 13:Chemistry and Chemical Technology:Mining
Editorial CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY PRESS
Mainland Spain
Book Details
The fifth volume of the late Dr. Needham's immense undertaking covers the subjects of chemistry and chemical technology. This, the thirteenth part of the volume, is the first history of Chinese mining to appear in a Western language. Spanning from the Neolithic period to the present day, it deals with the full range of Chinese mining from copper to mercury, arsenic to coal. The author explores not only the written sources but also the archaeological remains, and observes the traditional techniques still in use. The interrelationship between Chinese mining and its social, economic and political implications is examined. Through these discoveries, the author concludes that these factors were probably more important in determining how mining was carried out than the technological progress itself.