天工開物 By: Yingxing Song (1587-)
天工開物 by Yingxing Song is a comprehensive and fascinating exploration of various crafts and technologies from ancient China. The author delves into a wide range of topics, from metalworking and pottery to agriculture and medicine, providing detailed descriptions and illustrations that bring these ancient practices to life. One of the standout features of this book is the author's deep knowledge and passion for the subject matter. Yingxing Song's enthusiasm for these ancient crafts shines through in his writing, making the book engaging and educational for readers of all backgrounds. Additionally, the inclusion of detailed illustrations and diagrams adds another dimension to the text, allowing readers to better understand the intricate processes involved in each craft. This visual element enhances the overall reading experience and helps to bring the ancient technologies to life. Overall,天工開物 is a must-read for anyone interested in ancient Chinese history, technology, or craftsmanship. The book offers a unique glimpse into the ingenuity and creativity of ancient Chinese artisans, making it a valuable resource for readers of all ages. First Page: 自序天覆地載，物數號萬，而事亦因之曲成而不遺，豈人力也哉！事物而既萬矣，必待口授目成而後識之，其與幾何？萬事萬物之中，其無益生人與有益者各載其半。世有聰明博物者，稠人推焉。乃棗梨之花未賞，而臆度楚萍；釜之範鮮經，而侈談莒鼎。畫工好圖鬼魅而惡犬馬，即鄭僑、晉華，豈足為烈哉！幸生聖明極盛之世，滇南車馬縱貫遼陽，嶺徼宦商衡游薊北。為方萬里中，何事何物不可見見聞。基為士而生東晉之初、南宋之季，其視燕、秦、晉、豫方物已成夷產，從互市而得裘帽，何殊慎之矢也。且夫王孫帝子生長深宮，御廚玉粒正香欲觀耒耜，尚宮錦衣方剪而想像機絲。當斯時也，披圖一觀，如獲重寶矣。年來著書一種，名曰《天工開物捲》。傷哉貧也！欲購奇考証，而乏洛下之資；欲招致同人商略贗真，而缺陳思之館。隨其孤陋見聞，藏諸方寸而寫之，豈有當哉？吾友塗伯聚先生，誠意動天，心靈格物。凡古今一言寬這嘉、寸長可取，必勤勤懇懇而契合焉。昨歲《畫音歸正》由先生而授梓。茲有後命，複取此捲而繼起為之，其亦夙緣之所召哉！捲分前後，萬貴五穀而賤金玉之義。《觀象》、《樂律》二捲，其道太精，自揣非吾事，故臨梓刪去。丐大業文人棄擲頭，此書於功名進取毫不相關也！時崇禎丁醜孟夏月，奉新宋... Continue reading book >>

天工開物 By: Yingxing Song (1587-)

天工開物 by Yingxing Song is a comprehensive and fascinating exploration of various crafts and technologies from ancient China. The author delves into a wide range of topics, from metalworking and pottery to agriculture and medicine, providing detailed descriptions and illustrations that bring these ancient practices to life.

One of the standout features of this book is the author's deep knowledge and passion for the subject matter. Yingxing Song's enthusiasm for these ancient crafts shines through in his writing, making the book engaging and educational for readers of all backgrounds.

Additionally, the inclusion of detailed illustrations and diagrams adds another dimension to the text, allowing readers to better understand the intricate processes involved in each craft. This visual element enhances the overall reading experience and helps to bring the ancient technologies to life.

Overall,天工開物 is a must-read for anyone interested in ancient Chinese history, technology, or craftsmanship. The book offers a unique glimpse into the ingenuity and creativity of ancient Chinese artisans, making it a valuable resource for readers of all ages.

First Page:

自序

天覆地載，物數號萬，而事亦因之曲成而不遺，豈人力也哉！事物而既萬矣，必待口授目成而後識之，其與幾何？萬事萬物之中，其無益生人與有益者各載其半。世有聰明博物者，稠人推焉。乃棗梨之花未賞，而臆度楚萍；釜之範鮮經，而侈談莒鼎。畫工好圖鬼魅而惡犬馬，即鄭僑、晉華，豈足為烈哉！

幸生聖明極盛之世，滇南車馬縱貫遼陽，嶺徼宦商衡游薊北。為方萬里中，何事何物不可見見聞。基為士而生東晉之初、南宋之季，其視燕、秦、晉、豫方物已成夷產，從互市而得裘帽，何殊慎之矢也。且夫王孫帝子生長深宮，御廚玉粒正香欲觀耒耜，尚宮錦衣方剪而想像機絲。當斯時也，披圖一觀，如獲重寶矣。

年來著書一種，名曰《天工開物捲》。傷哉貧也！欲購奇考証，而乏洛下之資；欲招致同人商略贗真，而缺陳思之館。隨其孤陋見聞，藏諸方寸而寫之，豈有當哉？

吾友塗伯聚先生，誠意動天，心靈格物。凡古今一言寬這嘉、寸長可取，必勤勤懇懇而契合焉。昨歲《畫音歸正》由先生而授梓。茲有後命，複取此捲而繼起為之，其亦夙緣之所召哉！

捲分前後，萬貴五穀而賤金玉之義。《觀象》、《樂律》二捲，其道太精，自揣非吾事，故臨梓刪去。丐大業文人棄擲頭，此書於功名進取毫不相關也！時崇禎丁醜孟夏月，奉新宋... Continue reading book >>

Genres for this book
History
Science

eBook links
Wikipedia – Yingxing Song
Wikipedia – 天工開物

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