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Science and Civilisation in China

Science and Civilisation in China

Science and Civilisation in China

Volume 5: Chemistry and Chemical Technology, Part 5
Joseph Needham
September 1983
5. Chemistry and Chemical Technology
5. Spagyrical Discovery and Invention: Physiological Alchemy
Available
Hardback
9780521085748
$317.00
USD
Hardback

    The fifth volume of Dr Needham's immense undertaking, like the fourth, is subdivided into parts for ease of assimilation and presentation, each part bound and published separately. The volume as a whole covers the subjects of alchemy, early chemistry, and chemical technology (which includes military invention, especially gunpowder and rockets; paper and printing; textiles; mining and metallurgy; the salt industry; and ceramics).

    Reviews & endorsements

    "[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

    See more reviews

    Product details

    September 1983
    Hardback
    9780521085748
    608 pages
    255 × 197 × 40 mm
    1.346kg
    Available

    Table of Contents

    • List of illustrations
    • List of tables
    • List of abbreviations
    • Author's note
    • 33. Alchemy and chemistry (continued)
    • Bibliographies
    • General Index.
      Author
    • Joseph Needham