Zhu Xiao Save The Scientific Thought Of The Shortage Of Materia Medica "

Chiu Huang Pen Ts'ao written by Zhu Su of the early Ming Dynasty is a famous book in the science and technology history of China. First time in history, Zhu Su conducted and recorded systematic analysis and study on the functions and effects of some esculent wild plants in the times of famine, which started a key branch of botany. The thesis explores and analyses intrinsic value of the Chiu Huang Pen Ts'ao in the light of scientific thinking to demonstrate the level of Chinese ancient science and technology (mainly in botany) at the beginning of the Ming Dynasty. It especially proves that the more and more mature style of study and the prudent scientific attitude of the time have affected the afterworld in many aspects. The text falls into the following four parts:Part I: An introduction to Zhu Su's life, the background for writing, the natural environment and historical background.Part II: The core of the thesis. It probes into the scientific ideas of botany, agriculture, physics, chemistry, medicine and resource exploration in Chiu Huang Pen Ts'ao. The botanical ideas are especially abundant.Part III: The analysis of Zhu Su's scientific spirit and employing of various ways of thinking.Part IV: It summarizes the Zhu Su's science ideas' impact on the afterworld and draws a conclusion that practical style and experimental methods, which were prevalent in the early Ming Dynasty, appeared earlier than they did in West.