Page 39 - Inventions - A Visual Encyclopedia (DK - Smithsonian)
P. 39
MAN OF LEARNING
Zhang Heng’s work on mechanical devices was
much admired by many Chinese scholars and inventors
who followed him in later centuries. Zhang was also
highly thought of for his astronomical studies and
observations. He made a catalog of 2,500 stars
and more than 120 constellations. Zhang is
pictured here with his earthquake indicator. EARLY BREAKTHROUGHS
120 ce 125 ce 132 ce 138 ce
He publishes The Spiritual He describes his armillary Zhang Heng introduces He retires from official duties
Constitution of the Universe. sphere and helps to make one of his most famous and returns home to Nanyang for
This includes his theory a mechanical cart with an inventions to the a short time. Zhang Heng is recalled
that Earth is at the center odometer, an instrument for imperial court: the by the Emperor to the capital, where
of the Universe. calculating distances traveled. earthquake indicator. he dies in 139 ce.
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