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3000 Years of Unscientific Science

© Linda Bond

Status Check

Before moving on, we need to check where we've been in this series of articles. As a friend of mine once said, "He who does not remember the past is doomed to repeat it" or something like that. And before you ask how old I am, just let me say that anyone who can come up with that kind of wisdom is automatically a "friend" of mine!

So, where were we? So far, we've looked at a lot of history involving western science...how physics started out as a form of philosophy and got ripped off over the years until there wasn't much left of it anymore (a few measurements, a few theories). Then it got a new lease on life by entering into exciting areas of research and discussion. (If you don't know what I'm talking about, check out some of the previous articles. But don't worry, this isn't like school...you can jump in anywhere and be just as confused as everyone else. :) Anyway, so what's left to argue about? Oh, brother...you had to ask!

When Is Science, well...Science?

It has been a longstanding practice in "western science" to observe, dissect, and generally apply the principles of modern experimental methods. Since these methods came about only a few hundred years ago, and it was then that Europe began developing industrial technology and making advances in other areas (such as medicine), it is easy to assume that a true definition of "science" must somehow recognize these historic developments. And generally speaking, we assume any deep thinking that came earlier was really "philosophical" in nature. But is this true?

Take It From The Chinese

When it comes to much of the history of humanity's science, discovery and invention, the Chinese can say: "Been there, done that!" Take a look at just some of the achievements now attributed to Chinese genius:

Astronomy & Cartography

• recognition of sunspots as solar phenomena - 4th Cen BC
• discovery of the solar wind - 6th Cen AD
• the Mercatur map-projection - 10th Cen AD
• equatorial astronomical instruments - 13th Cen AD

Engineering

• spouting bowls and standing waves - 5th Cen BC (see end of this article for more on this)
• 4th Cen BC: double-acting piston bellows; cast iron
• 2nd Cen BC: crank handle; the "Cardan suspension" or gimbals; & manufacture of steel from cast iron
• 1st Cen BC: deep drilling for natural gas; belt drive; water power; & the suspension bridge

Technology

• lacquer (the first plastic) - 13th Cen BC
• paper - 2nd Cen BC

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