夢溪筆談   By: Kuo Shen (1031-1095)

"Dream Pool Essays" is a fascinating collection of writings by Kuo Shen that offers a glimpse into the intellectual world of ancient China. The essays cover a wide range of topics, from philosophy and history to science and technology. Kuo Shen's keen observations and innovative ideas make for a thought-provoking read that will captivate anyone interested in Chinese culture and history. The blend of personal anecdotes and scholarly insights creates a rich tapestry that invites readers to explore the intricacies of traditional Chinese thought. Overall, "Dream Pool Essays" is a treasure trove of knowledge and a must-read for anyone curious about the intellectual landscape of ancient China.

First Page:

　　上親郊郊廟，冊文皆曰“恭荐歲事”。先景靈宮，謂之“朝獻”；次太 廟，謂之“朝饗”；末乃有事于南郊。予集《郊式》時，曾預討論，常疑其 次序，若先為尊，則效不應在廟后；若后為尊，則景靈宮不應在太廟之先。 求共所從來，蓋有所因。按唐故事，凡有事地上帝，則百神皆預遣使祭告， 唯太清宮、太廟則皇帝親行。其冊祝皆曰“取某月某日有事于某所，不敢不 告。”宮、廟謂之“奏告”，余皆謂之“祭告”。唯有事于南郊，方為“正 祠”。至天寶九載，乃下詔曰：“‘告 ’者，上告下之詞。今后太清宮宜稱 ‘朝獻’，太廟稱‘朝饗’。”自此遂失“奏告”之名，冊文皆為“正祠”。 　　正衙法座，香木為之，加金飾，四足，墮角，其前小偃，織藤冒之。每車 駕出幸，則使老內臣馬上抱之，曰“駕頭”。輦后曲蓋謂之“筤”。兩扇夾心 ，通謂之“扇筤”。皆繡，亦有銷金者，即古之華蓋也。 　　唐翰林院在禁中，乃人主燕居之所，玉堂、承明、金鑾殿皆在其間。應供 奉之人，自學士已下，工伎群官司隸籍其間者，皆稱翰林，如今之翰林醫官、 翰林... Continue reading book >>