biography
pronunciation:
[shen kwah]
| sex:
| male
|
| lived:
| (1031–95)
|
| biography:
| Administrator, engineer, and scientist, born in Qiantang, China. As director of the astronomical bureau from 1072, he improved methods of computation and the design of several observational devices. In 1075 he constructed a series of relief maps of China's N frontier area, and designed fortifications as defences against nomadic invaders. In 1082 he was forced by intrigue to resign from his government posts, and occupied his last years in the writing of Brush Talks from Dream Brook (trans title), a remarkable compilation of about 600 observations which has become one of the most important sources of information on early science and technology. |
|
|
