Exploitation of the Works of Nature
The book provides a comprehensive and systematic account of the production techniques and experiences of agriculture and handicraft industry in ancient China. It covers a wide range of topics including cultivation of grains and cotton, sericulture, silk reeling, fuel production, food processing, salt making, sugar refining, manufacturing of bricks, tiles, ceramics, steel utensils, construction of boats and carriages, extraction of lime, coal, burnt stone, sulfur, oil pressing, candle making, paper making, mining and smelting of metals, production of weapons, gunpowder, cinnabar ink, pigments, medicinal herbs, and jade carving. Detailed records are provided regarding the variety, quantity, origin of raw materials, construction of tools, and operational processes of production and processing. The author has summarized the achievements of ancient production techniques through field observation and research, which holds significant scientific value.