Dian Sue Xu Zhi 電學須知 [Essentials of Electricity] Shanghai, 1887

4 leaves of plates containing 42 figures. One volume, Orig wrappers, small 8vo (19.6 × 13 cm), 33 leaves. 光緒13年, Shanghai, 1887.

An early introductory work on electricity compiled by John Fryer for the Jiangnan Arsenal’s scientific education program. The 42 figures on the preliminary plates illustrate methods of generating electricity, electrical generators and batteries, instruments, demonstrations of electric and magnetic phenomena, and practical applications such as telegraphy.

The text is arranged in six concise chapters covering: general principles of electrical force, frictional electricity, magnetism, electrochemistry, electrical machines, and the applications of electricity. Designed for use in new-style technical schools and arsenals, this work helped establish some of the earliest Chinese scientific terminology and classroom instruction in modern physics.

A significant early contribution to the introduction of Western electrical science in late Qing China.

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