China: Bust of Shen Kuo (1031-1095), Song Dynasty (960-1279) philosopher and polymath, at the Beijing Gu Guanxiangtai or Beijing Ancient Observatory

Shen Kuo (1031–1095), courtesy name Cunzhong and pseudonym Mengxi Weng, was a Han Chinese polymathic scientist and statesman of the Song dynasty (960–1279).

Excelling in many fields of study and statecraft, he was a mathematician, astronomer, meteorologist, geologist, zoologist, botanist, pharmacologist, agronomist, archaeologist, ethnographer, cartographer, encyclopedist, general, diplomat, hydraulic engineer, inventor, academy chancellor, finance minister, governmental state inspector, poet, and musician.

He was the head official for the Bureau of Astronomy in the Song court, as well as an Assistant Minister of Imperial Hospitality.

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Supplier: CPA Media Co. Ltd.

Photographer:

Hans A. Rosbach

Credit:

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