Oracle Bones, Stars, and Wheelbarrows: Ancient Chinese Science and Technology

Rating:
Summary: Chinese achievements
Review: Ross describes early Chinese achievements in astronomy, medicine, mathematics, and technology and shows how these ancient scientists anticipated by hundreds, even thousands, of years the discoveries of their counterparts in the West.

Rating:
Summary: Reads like a decent undergraduate honors thesis
Review: This survey of ancient Chinese science and technology, while simplistic and superficial, is nonetheless fascinating, covering all the high points which many readers will have missed or forgotten. Ross' writing is more that of an enthusiast than a scholar, having a haphazard approach to historicity and a limited understanding of technology (he doesn't seem to know the difference between a rifle and a shotgun), but his genuine excitement keeps the book moving along. Sometimes the author's stumping for the Chinese as scientific founders and technological innovators seems overzealous and naive, but his intentions and agenda are good. Worth the short time it takes to buzz through, and Ross does provide a bibliogrpahy for further (and deeper) study. NB: the illustrations are done in an interesting pointillism.