T’an T’ien 談天 [Outlines of Astronomy] Revised and enlarged edition.

Revised and enlarged edition. 

Ten plates and numerous in-text illustrations. 18 juan in 3 volumes. Small 4to (28x18.5cm), new wrappers, new stitching. 同治甲戌年重校活字刊印, movable metal type, 1874.

This 1875 revised and enlarged edition of T’an T’ien (Outlines of Astronomy) was an expanded translation by Xu Jianyin, based on the first Chinese edition and the tenth English edition of John Herschel’s Outlines of Astronomy. Compared with the first Chinese edition, this version includes a biographical sketch and portrait of John Herschel, corrections of errors found in the first edition, and incorporates the latest astronomical observations of the time—such as contemporary theories on the formation of sunspots, and recent advances in stellar spectroscopy and other mid-19th-century discoveries.

Xu Jianyin was one of the leading Chinese scientists of the late Qing dynasty, noted for his achievements across multiple fields of science and technology. As a pioneer in introducing Western scientific knowledge to China, he played a central role in translating and disseminating Western works and contributed greatly to the development of modern Chinese shipbuilding, military industry, chemical engineering, and technical education.

With some worming; minor water staining to the upper left corner of the final twenty leaves of volume 3.

Please note: A 10% consumption tax will be added for orders shipped within Japan.