Chapter 59 Section 10 Matteo Ricci and the introduction of modern science

In the 16th century, the scientific revolution in Europe created a new situation in which science and technology flourished and caused major changes in European society, which was in stark contrast to the dreary Chinese society and academic style.With the arrival of Western colonialists and missionaries to China, modern science and technology began to impact China's traditional culture and science and technology. From the 32nd to 36th year of Jiajing in Ming Dynasty (AD 1553-1557), the Portuguese invaded Macau, and Macau became an important base for Jesuit activities in the East.The first missionary to enter the Chinese mainland was Matteo Ricci (1552-1610 A.D.).

Matteo Ricci, styled Xitai, nicknamed Qingtai, Xijiang, Daxiyu Shanren, Lishanren, Xitaizi, Italian, Jesuit, came to Macau in 1582, and preached in Zhaoqing, Shaoguan, Nanchang, and Nanjing successively in 1601 He settled in Beijing until his death.In order to gain a foothold in China, he learned Chinese, learned Chinese customs, wore Confucian clothes, and adopted a Chinese name according to the habits of Chinese scholars.At the same time, he used the spread of modern science and technology to expand his influence in the Chinese intellectual class and became the first person to spread modern science and technology in China.Famous scientists Qu Taisu, Xu Guangqi and Li Zhizao all learned from him and were deeply influenced by him.

The modern science introduced to China by Matteo Ricci mainly includes mathematics, astronomy and geography. Qu Taisu was the first Chinese scholar to learn modern science from Matteo Ricci. He successively learned Tongwen Algorithm, Hungetu Theory, and Euclidean Geometry.He either used the terms of ancient Chinese arithmetic or his own new terms to translate the mathematical knowledge he learned into Chinese and circulated it among his friends.He translated the first volume of "Elementary Geometry", but it was not published.Later, Matteo Ricci and Xu Guangqi jointly translated the first six volumes of "The Elements of Geometry", which were published in the thirty-fifth year of Wanli (AD 1607). It was the first book to systematically introduce Euclidean geometry published in China.Mathematics works published at the same time and later include: "Measurement Method" co-edited by Lishi and Xu, which introduces the method of measuring profound and far-reaching;

In terms of astronomy, the works written by Professor Matteo Ricci and written by Li Zhizao include "Hun Gai Tong Xian Tu Shuo", "Jing Tian Gai", "Qian Kun Ti Yi", etc., which introduce Western astronomical knowledge more systematically, including Japanese The principle of lunar eclipse, the comparison between Qiyao and the size of the earth, the stars measured by the West, and the interpretation of traditional Chinese astronomy theories Zhoubi, Huntian and Gaitian with astromathematics.The astronomical instruments he brought in when he came to China and made during his stay in China included armillary spheres, celestial spheres, globes, planar spheres, quadrants, chronometers, sundials (gui ghosts) and telescopes.By displaying and demonstrating these instruments, Western astronomical knowledge is brought to the attention of more people.

In terms of geography, the world map brought by Matteo Ricci opened the eyes of the Chinese people and saw the whole world in miniature.New geographical knowledge about the geomorphology, map projection, division of five belts, north and south poles, equator, distribution of sea and land, division of five continents, famous mountains and rivers, and country and place names of various countries were also introduced to China.At the request of Wang Pan, the prefect of Zhaoqing, Matteo Ricci also drew a world map with China in the middle, named it "The Complete Map of Mountains, Seas and Lands", and marked it in Chinese, becoming the first world map printed in Chinese.From the 12th year of Wanli to the 36th year (AD 1584-1608), this picture was engraved or copied 12 times, and the title of the picture is also called "Shan Hai Yu Map", "Yu Di Quan Tu", "Wang Guo Tu Zhi" ", "Kun Yu Wan Guo Quan Tu", "Liang Yi Xuan Lan Tu" and so on.

In addition, the self-ringing bell brought in by Matteo Ricci also surprised the Chinese.At that time, some people began to learn and imitate, which was the first of its kind in China's watch industry.