从仪器变迁考察中国传统天文学发展:研究思路与实践——评《中国古天文仪器史》

以《中国古天文仪器史》中的研究为例,讨论在天文学史研究中可能引入的一种思路,即以天文仪器为研究对象与主要线索,通过天文仪器变迁考察中国天文学的发展历程。通过该书中出现的个案,分析引入这种研究思路在理论上的可能性与实践方法,以及该思路的特点与局限。在此基础上,同时认为,在对仪器具有依赖性的学科的专门史研究中,这一研究思路是有启发性的。

Investigating the History of Astronomy Through the Historical Development of Astromical Instruments: Approach and Practice——Review on The History of Ancient Astronomical Instruments in China

Based on the research in The History of Ancient Astronomical Instruments in China, this article discusses a possible approach to research the history of ancient astronomy for investigating the history of astronomy through the historical development of instruments. Citing the cases in this book, the article provides the possibility and several ways to practise this approach. At the same time, it believes that the historical research on the knowledge depending upon the instruments will benefit from the approach.