Overview

The study of science in China during the period from 700 to 1449 must be placed within the larger framework of science in premodern China, thus encompassing preceding eras as well. The reason is that, unlike Western history, that of China is not as conveniently divided into "ancient" and "medieval" periods. Moreover, much of the scientific work in China during the age viewed by Westerners as a middle period was in fact on a continuum with that which had occurred in ancient times.

Premodern China saw enormous advances in all realms of science, from medicine to technology, that gave the Chinese enormous advantages over their counterparts in the Western world and, in many cases, the Middle East as well. As with the eras of scientific development in China, the varieties of science practiced in the "Middle Kingdom" must also be seen on a...