"Those interested in the development of technology and science have found much to profit them in Joseph Needham's monumental history of science in China. The abridged volumes of his work are still rich in detail, ably produced by Colin Ronan with Needham...A fascinating book." New Scientist

• List of illustrations; List of tables; Preface; 1. Engineers: their status, tools and materials; 2. Basic mechanical principles; 3. Mechanical toys and machines described in Chinese works; 4. Vehicles for land transport and design of an efficient horse harness; 5. Clockwork: six hidden centuries; 6. Vertical and horizontal mountings, windmills and aeronautics; Bibliography; Table of Chinese dynastics; Index.

"Those interested in the development of technology and science have found much to profit them in Joseph Needham's monumental history of science in China. The abridged volumes of his work are still rich in detail, ably produced by Colin Ronan with Needham...A fascinating book." New Scientist

• List of illustrations; List of tables; Preface; 1. Engineers: their status, tools and materials; 2. Basic mechanical principles; 3. Mechanical toys and machines described in Chinese works; 4. Vehicles for land transport and design of an efficient horse harness; 5. Clockwork: six hidden centuries; 6. Vertical and horizontal mountings, windmills and aeronautics; Bibliography; Table of Chinese dynastics; Index.