Welcome to the Needham
Research Institute.
A Centre for the Study of the History of Science, Technology, and Medicine in East Asia.
Latest News, Events and Publications:
Releasing March 23rd: Foreign Astral Sciences in China From the Six Dynasties to the Northern Song, by Bill Mak
This book explores the history of foreign astral science in China from the unique viewpoint of the knowledge introduced to the Middle Kingdom by monks, travellers, and merchants from different parts of Eurasia throughout the first millennium CE.
By comparing the extant works in Chinese with parallel materials in their original languages, including texts in Sanskrit and Pāli for the Buddhist materials, and in other languages for works by the Nestorians, Zoroastrians, and Manicheans, this book fills a lacuna in the understanding of the role foreign scientific ideas played in Chinese and East Asian societies.
Including full English translations of a number of Chinese texts of foreign origin for the first time, together with commentaries and the critically edited original Chinese texts, this book will appeal to students and scholars of the history of science and Chinese history.
ISBN 9781138477599
THE NEEDHAM RESEARCH INSTITUTE is the home of the Science and Civilisation in China Project, and houses the East Asian History of Science Library. As a recognised global centre of study, the NRI offers a unique collection of books and other published materials on the history of science, technology and medicine in East Asia, and welcomes scholars from all over the world.
Our mission is to create a wider understanding of the historical contribution of the people of China, Japan and Korea to the scientific and technical culture of humankind, through research, publication and public outreach. The Institute is a Charitable Trust (Registered Educational Charity 311459), governed by a Board of Trustees.
The Institute is managed by a core full-time staff of 3 – the Director, Administrative Manager, and Librarian, complemented by a Bursar and an Archivist, both contributing part-time. The scholars based here hail from around the world, conducting research on their own chosen topics, and remaining with us for periods ranging from a few months to 3 years.
Discover a World of Knowledge in our Library and Archives
The Library houses a unique collection of books, journals, offprints and photographs on the history of science, technology and medicine in East Asia, while the Archive holds the voluminous notes, letters and other materials amassed by Dr. Needham during the writing of Science and Civilisation in China, his travels abroad, and the establishment of the NRI.
Explore through our publications, seminars and projects
The Institute facilitates the publication of the world famous Science and Civilisation in China series as well as a monograph series. We host a regular Friday seminar during term-time, as well as larger workshops, and conduct a variety of research projects centered around its archival collections.
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Needham Research Institute T-Shirts
Super quality black cotton T-shirts with the famous NRI logo printed in red.
Available in sizes small, medium and large.
Price: £16.00 each + p&p.
To order, contact Susan Bennett at Susan.Bennett@nri.cam.ac.uk and pay through the paypal button on the home page.
Sizes (approx):
Small: Width 44 cm (17 inches)
Length 66 cm (26 inches)
Medium: Width 50 cm (20 inches)
Length 71 cm (28 inches)
Large: Width 54 cm (22 inches)
Length 74 cm (30 inches)
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