The Tiangong Kaiwu, or the Exploitation of the Works of Nature, is an important encyclopedia compiled by the Chinese scientist and philosopher Song Yingxing in the late Ming dynasty. This book has a total of 11 volumes and covers a wide range of subjects, including agriculture, machinery, chemistry and medicine, astronomy and geography, military technology, commerce and taxation, and technology. It is one of the most comprehensive works of science in Chinese history.
The Tiangong Kaiwu is known for its detailed, clear explanations of various technologies. It was the first Chinese encyclopedia to include illustrations on its pages to enhance the understanding of the text. The author discussed the use of a variety of machines, such as waterwheels, sails, cannons, and armored vehicles, as well as methods for manufacturing iron and other metals. He also wrote about the use of chemical compounds and medical treatments, and gave detailed descriptions of plants and animals, among other topics.
The book was a major source of information for scholars of China and East Asia and was widely used in Europe and America. It was the first book to introduce westerners to the science and technology of Qing dynasty China.
In his introduction to the book, Song Yingxing wrote that his aim was to spread the knowledge of science and technology among the common people so that they could use it to improve their lives and their society. He hoped that by providing such a comprehensive source of knowledge, people would have the opportunity to learn the values of hard work, frugality and self-improvement.
This encyclopedia contains a wealth of information about the history of science and technology in China and is a valuable source for understanding the intellectual history of the country. It is widely regarded as an important work in the field of Chinese science, and it continues to provide valuable insight into the development of numerous inventions and technologies in China.
