This is just an absolutely amazing chapter on Chinese Astronomy.
The fundamental idea that the heavens reported on the deeds of the people, rather than predicted likely events was just mind blowing. Sort of police/god state gone made.
The politics are so rich, the intrigue so intense. David Cohen is saying the Chinese government is covering up Western traders from 1500 BC. Silk star map caps . . . now this is hard to believe.
The story about Ricci and eunuch and the mis aligned astrolabe was one of the most powerful I had ever heard. I would dismiss it if it weren't so similar to what I have experienced visiting other labs, not the eunuch but the piece of lab equipment out of place or set to the incorrect reading.
The prediction of eclipses was an astounding story.
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