Science and Civilisation in China, Part 13, Mining

by Peter J. Golas

Overview

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521580007
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	02/25/1999
Series:	Science and Civilisation in China , #13
Pages:	564
Product dimensions:	7.80(w) x 10.04(h) x 1.61(d)

Table of Contents

List of illustrations; List of maps; List of tables; List of abbreviations; Author's note; 1. Introduction; 2. An overview of mining in China; 3. Sources; 4. Deposits; 5. The products of Chinese mining; 6. Prospecting and exploration; 7. Placer mining and surface mining; 8. Underground mining; 9. Ore dressing; 10. The copper precipitation process; 11. Labour, capital and mining technology; 12. The state and mining technology; 13. Conclusions; 14. Bibliographies; 15. General index; 15. Table of chineses dynasties; 16. Romanization convertion tables.

Editorial Reviews

"...very real achievement and contribution on producing this invaluable volume. It will be widely welcomed and used, particularly by those interested in mining history." American Historical Review

"[An] astonishing and enduring study...[Needham brings] depth of emotion and technical finesse to his task."
Jonathan Spence, New York Review of Books

"Perhaps the greatest single act of historical synthesis and intercultural communication ever attempted by one man."
Laurence Picken, Cambridge University

From the Publisher