Ebook: Reconstruction Designs of Lost Ancient Chinese Machinery

Ancient China was outstanding in mechanical technology before the 15th century. Numerous ingenious machines were invented. However, due to incomplete documentation and loss of finished objects, most of the original machines cannot be verified and many of the inventions did not pass down to later generations. This book, based on the author’s research and teaching experiences over the last 20 years, is devoted to presenting an innovative methodology in the area of mechanical historiography for the systematic reconstruction design of ancient Chinese machines that have been lost to time. Its purpose is to generate all possible design concepts of lost machines. If the defined and/or concluded design specifications, topological characteristics, and - sign requirements and constraints are feasible, one of the resulting rec- struction designs should be the original design. Such an approach provides a logical tool for historians in ancient mechanical engineering and techn- ogy to further identify the possible original designs according to proven historical archives. However, this work will not deal with the credibility of historical literary works. It supposes that the lost machines existed, and tries to demonstrate the feasibility of reconstructing the lost designs. The book is organized in such a way that it can be used for teaching, research or self-study. Chapter 1 introduces the study, classifications, and process for the reconstruction design of ancient machinery.

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South pointing chariots, walking machines and the astronomical mechanical clock are all used as illustrated examples in this fascinating and unique study of lost machinery in ancient China.

This is the first book of its kind, combining creative mechanism design methodology with mechanical evolution and variation theory to set out how designs that are consistent with the science theories and techniques of the time can be recreated today.

Dr. Yan explains the cultural, scientific and technological background of Chinese machines such as the Wooden Horse Chariot, the Wooden Cow, the Gliding Horse and the seismograph.

In the absence of any new literature or hard evidence, this work presents an innovative approach to the reconstruction of such incredible Chinese gadgetry and is a useful tool for the study of ancient machinery around the world. Furthermore the author, who has won many academic awards inside and outside Taiwan, and who collects ancient Chinese Locks, predicts that by studying the invaluable wisdoms of ancient Chinese design, we can stimulate stunning new machinery for the future.

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South pointing chariots, walking machines and the astronomical mechanical clock are all used as illustrated examples in this fascinating and unique study of lost machinery in ancient China.

This is the first book of its kind, combining creative mechanism design methodology with mechanical evolution and variation theory to set out how designs that are consistent with the science theories and techniques of the time can be recreated today.

Dr. Yan explains the cultural, scientific and technological background of Chinese machines such as the Wooden Horse Chariot, the Wooden Cow, the Gliding Horse and the seismograph.

In the absence of any new literature or hard evidence, this work presents an innovative approach to the reconstruction of such incredible Chinese gadgetry and is a useful tool for the study of ancient machinery around the world. Furthermore the author, who has won many academic awards inside and outside Taiwan, and who collects ancient Chinese Locks, predicts that by studying the invaluable wisdoms of ancient Chinese design, we can stimulate stunning new machinery for the future.

Content:
Front Matter....Pages i-xii
Introduction....Pages 1-18
Mechanism and Machine....Pages 19-41
Ancient Chinese Machines....Pages 43-93
Reconstruction Design Methodology....Pages 95-118
Zhang Heng’s Seismoscope....Pages 119-161
Su Song’s Escapement Regulator....Pages 163-198
South-pointing Chariots....Pages 199-268
Walking Machines....Pages 269-302
Back Matter....Pages 303-309

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South pointing chariots, walking machines and the astronomical mechanical clock are all used as illustrated examples in this fascinating and unique study of lost machinery in ancient China.

This is the first book of its kind, combining creative mechanism design methodology with mechanical evolution and variation theory to set out how designs that are consistent with the science theories and techniques of the time can be recreated today.

Dr. Yan explains the cultural, scientific and technological background of Chinese machines such as the Wooden Horse Chariot, the Wooden Cow, the Gliding Horse and the seismograph.

In the absence of any new literature or hard evidence, this work presents an innovative approach to the reconstruction of such incredible Chinese gadgetry and is a useful tool for the study of ancient machinery around the world. Furthermore the author, who has won many academic awards inside and outside Taiwan, and who collects ancient Chinese Locks, predicts that by studying the invaluable wisdoms of ancient Chinese design, we can stimulate stunning new machinery for the future.

Content:
Front Matter....Pages i-xii
Introduction....Pages 1-18
Mechanism and Machine....Pages 19-41
Ancient Chinese Machines....Pages 43-93
Reconstruction Design Methodology....Pages 95-118
Zhang Heng’s Seismoscope....Pages 119-161
Su Song’s Escapement Regulator....Pages 163-198
South-pointing Chariots....Pages 199-268
Walking Machines....Pages 269-302
Back Matter....Pages 303-309
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