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Needham Research Institute Studies. 5
Chinese Mathematical Astrology
Ho Peng Yoke
RoutledgeCurzon
, Taylor & Francis Group, 2003
ISBN 0415297591
The ability to predict has always been, and remains, an important aim
of science. In traditional China, astronomers devised methods of divination
that were not only applied to natural events such as weather forecasting,
but also to mundane human affairs. The three most sophisticated devices
were shrouded in clouds of secrecy. During the eleventh century and
for hundreds of years thereafter, candidates were examined on their
knowledge of these devices behind the closed doors of the Chinese Astronomical
Bureau.
Known by little other than their names, this is the first book in
any language that attempts to make an academic study of the three methods,
known as the sanshi (three cosmic boards), which turned out to have
a profound influence on Chinese society. |
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