Dr. Wan’s study, “Gravity’s Eastern Voyage,” delves into the introduction and evolution of Newtonian mechanics in imperial China from 1727 to 1912. Highlighting the cultural adaptation of Newton’s ideas, the paper explores the dissemination of scientific concepts through missionary publications, translations, and integration into the Chinese national curriculum. By examining how Newtonian mechanics influenced intellectual and political discourse in late Qing China, the study challenges traditional Eurocentric narratives. Dr. Wan’s inspiration from Professor Rob Iliffe and experience publishing with Notes and Records enrich the comprehensive understanding of Newtonian science’s global impact. Future research directions include expanding the study to the Republican period, exploring East Asian transmission of Newtonian science, and analyzing the philosophical aspects of Newton’s methodology in China.
https://royalsociety.org/blog/2024/09/gravitys-eastern-voyage/