| Title |
Generalities about the book itself |
| Reference |
SCC2/2 |
| Covering Dates |
22 Apr. 1943–6 Dec. 1988 |
| Extent and Medium |
Paper |
|
| Content and context |
Joseph Needham's file title reads '?????/Book Itself/Generalities/Not CUP'. |
| Needham/NRI2/SCC2/2 contains: |
|
1
|
Copy of a paper by Franz Michael and Stanley Spector entitled 'Cooperative Area Research' ('World Politics'). Joseph Needham notes 'methods of the Seattle group' on the front cover.
1 document; Paper. |
Oct. 1949 |
|
2
|
Typescript 'Categories for Modern Chinese History Research Project' prepared by S. Spector [Stanley Spector].
Creator: Stanley Spector.
11 sheets; Paper. |
14 Feb. 1949-Aug. 1949 |
|
3
|
Blank 'research reading report' for the 'Far Eastern Institute'. This was a loose insert in SCC1/1/1.
1 document; Paper. |
1947–1951 |
|
4
|
Correspondence with A. Scholfield, Cambridge University Librarian about the poor state of the library lunchroom. Joseph Needham complains about the 'peculiar taste' of the coffee and the inefficiency of the staff. Scholfield's reply attempts to reassure him but adds 'it is not easy to supply the staff with brains'.
Creator: Scolfield, A.; Needham, Joseph.
2 sheets; Paper. |
16 June 1949–18 June 1949 |
|
5
|
Correspondence with F. G. Young of the Department of Biochemistry, University College London about his move to Cambridge.
Creator: Young, F.G.; Needham, Joseph.
2 sheets; Paper. |
16 May 1949–11 June 1949 |
|
6
|
Letter to Joseph Needham from T. K. Djang [??? / Chang Tzu-kung / Zhang Zigong] whilst in Cambridge. The letter is concerned with Djang's 'academic pursuit'; 'the prospect of UNESCO sponsoring some work on History of Science'; his return to China; Wang Ling's visit to him for consultation.
Creator: Djang, T.K.; Needham, Joseph.
2 sheets; Paper. |
27 Nov. 1946–1946 |
|
7
|
Letters from the Chinese History Project of the University of Washington, Seattle, U.S.A. about the whereabouts of 'Mr. Ritti's index cards'. One of the letters is from the sinologist, Karl A. Wittfogel. The other is from Ruth S. Ricard. In his letter, Wittfogel looks forward to a Joseph Needham visit to the U.S.A. planned for 1950.
Creator: Wittfogel, Karl A.; Richard, Ruth S..
2 sheets; Paper. |
23 Nov. 1948–1 Dec. 1948 |
|
8
|
Correspondence with Francis Bennett, Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge, about Joseph Needham's accommodation at the College following his return from China. Joseph Needham suggests that Caius Court 'be used for fellows rather than undergraduates'. He also suggests exhibiting 'some of the pictures, carvings, etc. which I brought back from China'.
Creator: Bennet, Francis; Needham, Joseph.
2 sheets; Paper. |
19 Jan. 1947–26 Jan. 1947 |
|
9
|
Plans for 'An Essay on the History of Science and Scientific Thought in China' by J. Needham and G.D. Lu. The documents comprise a typescript plan marked for the attention of J.G.C.? (J.G.C. has made notes about the plan on the reverse); typescript plan, May 1943; manuscript plan, undated.
3 sheets; Paper. |
1943–1949 |
|
10
|
Letter from John Lewis, Editor of 'The Modern Quarterly', London asking for a Joseph Needham contribution to the journal and copy of Needham's reply. Lewis suggests 'that article on 'The Factors which inhibited the Development of Modern Science and Technology in China''.
Creator: Lewis, John; Needham, Joseph.
1 sheet; Paper. |
11 Oct. 1948–1948 |
|
11
|
Correspondence with H. Richold about employment opportunities following his return from Calcutta, India. The documents include a telegram from Joseph Needham suggesting a government post as Chinese expert. Richold replies that he has accepted a 'government appointment', but 'may find time , if you so wish to carry out reading and translating extracts'.
Creator: Richold, H.; Needham, Joseph.
4 sheets; Paper. |
13 May 1946–21 May 1946 |
|
12
|
Letter from W. Eberhard of the International Society for Oriental Research, Turkey about collaboration. Other matters discussed include a forthcoming International Congress of Orientalists; the comparison of Chinese and Uigur documents.
Creator: Eberhard, W.
1 document; Paper. |
26 Sep. 1947–1947 |
|
13
|
Letter from Eugene Davidson, Editor at Yale University Press about the publication of articles by Joseph Needham.
Creator: Davidson, Eugene.
1 document; Paper. |
28 Jan. 1946–1946 |
|
14
|
Letter from Joseph Needham to Gustav [Gustav Haloun] about the book, 'Science and Civilisation in China'. The letter includes a request for comments, suggestion and criticisms; request for advice on romanisation and dictionaries; suggestion that they read the 'famous water chapter together'.
Creator: Haloun, Gustav; Needham, Joseph.
1 document; Paper. |
18 May 1948 |
|
15
|
Letter from R. Owen of The Pilot Press, London about the publication of 'Science Outpost' with a chart entitled 'Organisation of Science in China'. Notes of the names of Chinese printing firms in the UK have been made on the letter and on an attached piece of paper.
Creator: Owen, R.
2 sheets; Paper. |
14 Apr. 1948–1948 |
|
16
|
Two letters from T. G. Djang [??? / Chang Tzu-kung / Zhang Zigong] about collaboration with Joseph Needham. Neither letter is complete.
Creator: Djang, T.G.
4 pieces; Paper. |
22 Apr. 1943–13 May 1943 |
|
17
|
Letter from T. K. Cheng of Magdalen College, Oxford suggesting a meeting with Joseph Needham. Needham has used the reverse of the letter to draft a telegram to Lu Gwei-Djen about arrangements for her visit to the U.K from Paris.
Creator: Cheng, T.K; Needham, Joseph.
1 document; Paper. |
1 June 1948–1948 |
|
18
|
Correspondence with Dr Chêng Tien-Hsi [??? / Zheng Tianxi], Chinese Ambassador to the United Kingdom about the 'Science and Civilisation in China' book schedule.
Creator: Cheng, Tien-Hsi; Needham, Joseph.
2 sheets; Paper. |
9 Aug. 1948–10 Aug. 1948 |
|
19
|
Letter from [Sir] Horace Seymour of Westbury, Wiltshire, former British Ambassador to China following a request from Joseph Needham to look at his Chinese scrolls. Seymour states that he could not find plans for a factory or working establishment. The scroll Joseph Needham asked him to find must have been in 'one of the two or three that were not my property'.
Creator: Seymour, Horace.
1 document; Paper. |
12 Nov. 1948–1948 |
|
20
|
Note of bibliographical references.
1 document; Paper. |
1950–1959 |
|
21
|
Notes on 'Joseph Needham's China' written by DWS [Dorothea Waley Singer].
Creator: Singer, Dorothea Waley.
4 sheets; Paper. |
1945–1949 |
|
22
|
Letter from Tenny L. Davis of Norwell, Massachusetts, U.S.A., about the outline for the 'Science and Civlisation in China' book. The letter includes comments made on various sections of the outline.
Creator: Davis, Tenny L.
2 sheets; Paper. |
24 Nov. 1948 |
|
23
|
Two letters from Rewi [Alley] from the Sandan Indusco Bailie School, China. The first letter comments on translation of the 'older Chinese ballads'; the horse harness; aspects of the Tao Teh Ching [Dao De Jing]; conditions at the school. The second is a letter of response to a copy of Joseph Needham's outline for 'Science and Civilisation in China'. Includes comments on the origin of paper, pottery and the influence of Taoism on China. He ends this letter with 'There is a wealth of material which could be gathered together on scientific investigation in ancient times, scraps of which come before one at times'.
Creator: Alley, Rewi.
2 sheets; Paper. |
31 Oct. 1948–20 Nov. 1948 |
|
24
|
Copy of letter sent to G. R. E. Naylor about the use of a room for Wang Ching-Ning [Wang Ling]. Joseph Needham has made a note to send an identical letter to D. McFarlane.
Creator: Needham, Joseph.
2 sheets; Paper. |
13 Apr. 1949–1949 |
|
25
|
Letter from ??? [Tsang Chhi-mou / Zang Qimou] commenting on Joseph Needham's outline for 'Science and Civilisation in China'.
Creator: Tsang, Chhi-mou.
2 sheets; Paper. |
29 Apr. 1949–1949 |
|
26
|
Letter from Chao-Lun Tseng of Urbana, Illinois, U.S.A about his work and Joseph Needham's book. Other matters discussed include his work in the field of nuclear physics; his writing of a general chemistry textbook for freshmen.
Creator: Tseng, Chao-Lun.
1 sheet; Paper. |
5 Nov. 1946–1946 |
|
27
|
Letter from Karl A. Wittfogel of the Chinese History Project, University of Washington, U.S.A. about the collaboration of Professor Fêng Chia-shêng [??? / Feng Jiasheng].
Creator: Wittfogel, Karl A.
1 sheet; Paper. |
27 Sep. 1949–1949 |
|
28
|
Correspondence with W. Johnson of Hutchinson & Co, Publishers about the publication of 'Science and Civilisation in China' and other work by Joseph Needham.
Creator: Johnson, W.; Needham, Joseph.
3 sheets; Paper. |
25 Oct. 1949–15 Nov. 1949 |
|
29
|
Two letters from Stanley Unwin of George, Allen and Unwin Ltd, Publishers expressing a wish to act as publishers of 'Science and Civilisation in China'.
Creator: Unwin, Stanley.
2 sheets; Paper. |
28 May 1946–27 July 1950 |
|
30
|
Correspondence with Henry Schuman of Messrs Schuman, Publishers of New York City, about publication of 'Science and Civilisation in China' and other works. Joseph Needham's letters discuss his aims in writing the book, its contents ('contents table' attached) and progress made . He states that 'the work was to occupy some 1000 pages' but that it would be 'more in the order of 1700'. 'There will be no escape from having the book in two volumes'. Schuman expresses a wish to be the American publisher.
Creator: Schuman, Harry; Needham, Joseph.
8 sheets; Paper. |
22 May 1950–20 Aug. 1950 |
|
31
|
Correspondence with Hung-Ying Bryan of the British Embassy in Beijing discussing life in China and Joseph Needham's book. Matters discussed include the new regime in China; sending of contents pages of 'Science and Civilisation in China' to Joseph Needham's Chinese contacts (Bryan explains the difficulties and suggests people to contact (see SCC1/2/32)); the progress of Wang Ling in Cambridge ('he has discovered an unexpected talent for mathematics'); mutual Western acquaintances in China. Attached to one of the letters is cutting of a «????» article entitled «???????? ???», June 1950.
Creator: Bryan, Hung-Ying; Needham, Joseph.
7 sheets; Paper. |
21 June 1950–29 Oct. 1950 |
|
32
|
Copies of letters sent to senior Chinese academics to tell them about 'Science and Civilisation in China'. The letters are to Dr. Kuo Mo-Jo [???/Guo Moruo] of Academia Sinica, Prof. Chu K'o-Chen [???/Zhu Kezhen] of Chekiang University and Prof. Tseng Chao-lun [??? / Zeng Zhaolun] of Peking University. The letters were sent to these people at the suggestion of Hung Ying Bryan (see SCC1/2/31). Joseph Needham has personalised the letters but the content of each is concerned with the schedule of the book; translation of schedule into Chinese; help with the project; reassurance that the book will bring out the decisive influence of social-economic conditions on the development of science and technology.
3 sheets; Paper. |
26 Oct. 1950–1950 |
|
33
|
Cutting of a «????» [Jen-min Jih-Pao / Renmin Ribao] article entitled «????????????». The article concerns the detention of jet expert ??? [Chhien Hsueh-Lin / Qian Xuelin].
1 document; Paper. |
1948–1952 |
|
34
|
Cutting of 'Guardian' article entitled 'Books on China', November 1950.
1 document; Paper. |
10 Nov. 1950–1950 |
|
35
|
Letter from Dr. Ilza Veith of the Division of Social Sciences, University of Chicago. Matters discussed include reviews of his/her book; finding a sponsor to fund a trip to Europe.
Creator: Veith, Ilza.
1 sheet; Paper. |
15 Nov. 1950–1950 |
|
36
|
Correspondence with the Arthur Waley of London, about the plan for 'Science and Civilisation in China'. The documents comprise a letter from Joseph Needham to Waley requesting copies of notes and references and originally accompanying a 'Science and Civilisation in China' contents table; Waley's reply stating that he is 'thrilled by your plan'; that his 'notes are mostly obsolete'; suggesting that Joseph Needham include a section on the metal mirror.
Creator: Waley, Arthur; Needham, Joseph.
3 sheets; Paper. |
1 Aug. 1950–3 Aug. 1950 |
|
37
|
Letter from Charles Singer, accompanying a plan for his book, 'A History of Technology'.
Creator: Singer, Charles.
3 sheets; Paper. |
20 Nov. 1950–1950 |
|
38
|
Copy of the 'Draft Contents Table' of 'Science and Civilisation in China' published in the UNESCO publication, 'Archives Internationales D'Histoire des Sciences', 1951. Documents also include a brief covering note from the journal editor, J Pelseneer.
Creator: Pelseneer, J.
9 sheets; Paper. |
14 Jan. 1951 |
|
39
|
Correspondence with Basile Marza of Bucharest, Romania. Matters discussed include Joseph Needham's progress with 'Science and Civilsiation in China and Marza's role in Public Health in Romania.
Creator: Marza, Basile.
3 sheets; Paper. |
29 Oct. 1950–23 Mar. 1951 |
|
40
|
Correspondence with Sir. Stanley Unwin of George Allen & Unwin Ltd, publishers of London about the publication of 'Science and Civilisation in China'. In response to a Joseph Needham letter enclosing a copy of the book's contents table, Unwin suggests the 'possibility of spliting it up into two or three volumes'. Joseph Needham has highlighted this section.
Creator: Unwin, Stanley; Needham, Joseph.
7 sheets; Paper. |
14 Nov. 1950–23 Mar. 1951 |
|
41
|
Letter from Coching Chu [??? / Chu K'o-Chen / Zhu Kezhen] of Academia Sinica, China, commenting on proposed 'Science and Civilisation in China' contents and suggesting people to contact for assistance. Attached to the letter are copies of Joseph Needham's letters written to the people suggested by Chu. Those contacted were Dr. Li T'ao [??/ Li Tao] of Peking Medical College, Dr. Liu Tun-Chên [??? / Liu Dunzhen] of Nanking University, Dr. Wan Kuo-Ting [??? / Wan Guoding] c/o Academia Sinica, Chang Han-ying [??? / Zhang Hanying] of The Department of Hydraulic Engineering and Water Conservancy, Peking. The content explains the project and requests assistance.
Creator: Chu Coching; Needham, Joseph.
5 sheets; Paper. |
16 Feb. 1951–23 Mar. 1951 |
|
42
|
Letters from Herbert Reichner, Rare books, Manuscripts etc., New York, U.S.A. Matters discussed include the difficulty in getting books and mail from China; Joseph Needham's order of 'Agricola'; offprints and advance publications of Joseph Needham's work; reading through of 'Science and Civilisation in China' galley proofs.
Creator: Reichner, Herbert.
2 sheets; Paper. |
6 Oct. 1950–8 Dec. 1950 |
|
43
|
Joseph Needham's list of people to send draft contents tables of 'Science and Civilisation in China'.
2 sheets; Paper. |
1946–1955 |
|
44
|
Letter from Lionel Giles of The British Museum, London, thanking Joseph Needham for copy of the 'Science and Civilisation in China' contents table.
Creator: Giles, Lionel.
1 document; Paper. |
27 Mar. 1951–1951 |
|
45
|
Postcard from Agnes Arber thanking Joseph Needham for copy of 'Science and Civilisation in China' contents table.
Creator: Arber, Agnes.
1 document; Paper. |
27 Mar. 1951–1951 |
|
46
|
Letter from Dorothea [Dorothea Waley Singer], Par, Cornwall. Matters discussed include an offprint of a Joseph Needham paper from 'Archivus'; copies of 'Stapleton's letters'.
1 document; Paper. |
8 Apr. 1951–1951 |
|
47
|
Letter from E. R. Hughes of The Claremont Graduate School, California, U.S.A. about the 'Science and Civilisation in China' contents table.
Creator: Hughes, E.R.
1 document; Paper. |
18 Apr. 1951–1951 |
|
48
|
Note from S. Matthews commenting on Joseph Needham's plan and providing some bibliographical references.
Creator: Matthews, S.
1 document; Paper. |
29 Mar. 1951 |
|
49
|
Correspondence with Raven [Charles Raven ?] of Cambridge following his receipt of the 'Science and Civilisation in China' contents list. Matters dicussed include the influence of social factors on philosophy and science.
2 sheets; Paper. |
27 Mar. 1951–21 Apr. 1951 |
|
50
|
Letter from A. Leroi-Gourhan of the Centre de Formation aux Rescherches Ethnologiques, Paris, France, thanking Joseph Needham for a copy of the 'Science and Civilisation in China' contents table.
Creator: Leroi-Gourhan, A.
1 sheet; Paper. |
23 Apr. 1951 |
|
51
|
Letter from [Chen ?] of the Department of Oriental Languages, Berkeley, California, U.S.A. about the table of contents for 'Science and Civilisation in China'.
1 sheet; Paper. |
19 May. 1951–1951 |
|
52
|
Letter from Arthur W. Hummel of the Orientalia Division of the Library of Congress, Washington D.C., U.S.A. about the 'Orientalia Reports'. Other matters discussed include Joseph Needham's article 'Human Law and the Law of Nature in China and the West'.
Creator: Hummel, Arthur W.
1 sheet; Paper. |
20 June 1951–1951 |
|
53
|
Letter from Wong Wenhai [?] about the 'Science and Civilisation in China' contents table and other matters. Wong draws Joseph Needham's attention to work by V. K. Ting 'on the languages of the tribes of S W China' and on the 'historical development of important arts agriculture, metallurgy, silk, porcelain etc. in China'. He adds that little of Ting's work was published.
2 sheets; Paper. |
3 Mar. 1950–1950 |
|
54
|
Correspondence with Charles Singer about his 'History of Technology' and its relationship to 'Science and Civilisation in China' and other matters. Others matters discussed include Joseph Needham's request for copies of the 'Fremont papers'; the unexpected death of Gustav Haloun, Professor of Chinese at Cambridge; the health of Dorothy Needham; the decision by Cambridge University Press to bring out 'Science and Civilisation in China' in seven volumes.
Creator: Singer, Charles; Needham, Joseph.
9 sheets; Paper. |
22 Dec. 1951–6 Feb. 1952 |
|
55
|
Correspondence between Joseph Needham, Charles Singer and Prof. Herbert Chatley about Chatley's contribution to Singer's book, 'History of Technology'. Joseph Needham reccomended Chatley to Singer as a contributor of a section on 'Far Eastern Technology'.
Creator: Needham, Joseph; Singer, Charles; Chatley, Herbert.
8 sheets; Paper. |
14 Jan. 1952–17 Jan. 1952 |
|
56
|
List of contents of Volume 1 of 'A History of Technology' by Charles Singer.
3 sheets; Paper. |
1950–1959 |
|
57
|
Correspondence with Lin Yu-Thang [??? / Lin Yutang] about his work on Lamaism.
Creator: Lin, Yu-Thang; Needham, Joseph.
3 sheets; Paper. |
25 Jan. 1952–7 Feb. 1952 |
|
58
|
Letter from L. Carrington Goodrich of Columbia University, New York City, U.S.A. advising Joseph Needham of his revision of T. F. Carter's, 'Invention of Printing in China'.
Creator: Goodrich, L. Carrington.
1 sheet; Paper. |
15 Nov. 1951–1951 |
|
59
|
Letter from Prof. Pasquale D'Elia, teacher of Chinese at the Pontificia Universita Gregoriana, Rome, Italy about some leaflets on 'Science and Civilisation in China'.
Creator: D'Elia, Pasquale.
1 document; Paper. |
28 Dec. 1953–1953 |
|
60
|
Letter from Kathleen E. Watkins of The Patent Office Library, London about the 'Science and Civilisation in China' book outline.
Creator: Watkins, Kathleen E.
1 sheet; Paper. |
23 Nov. 1951–23 Nov. 1955 |
|
61
|
Brief Joseph Needham notes made from H. Cordier, 'Life and Labours of Alexander Wylie', (1877).
1 document; Paper. |
1950–1959 |
|
62
|
Flyer advertising 'A History of Technology', edited by Charles Singer.
1 document; Paper. |
1950–1959 |
|
63
|
Copy of letter to Dr. Jablonski, Warsaw, Poland about the progress of 'Science and Civilisation in China'. Other matters discussed include a Polish edition of 'Chuang Tzu [?? / Zhuang Zi]' sent to Joseph Needham by Jablonski.
2 sheets; Paper. |
9 Mar. 1954 |
|
64
|
Joseph Needham notes about the state of the 'Science and Civilisation in China' project, location of material and actions to be taken. Typical entries include 'finish Hist Devel. Subsections'; 'photos and all illustration material - in files for the appropriate subjects'.
4 sheets; Paper. |
Oct. 1972–1972 |
|
65
|
Note of Chinese proverbs.
3 sheets; Paper. |
1969 |
|
66
|
Lists of potential collaborators for 'Science and Civilisation in China'. Documents include Joseph Needham's manuscript list and a typed version. Each entry gives name, historical field and address.
3 sheets; Paper. |
Mar. 1979–1979 |
|
67
|
Joseph Needham's notes of a Francis Bacon 'motto prefixed to Birch's 'Hist of the Roy. Soc.'' and other references. The other references comprise a notes of G. G. Berry's 'Introduction to the Study of History' and Langlois and Seignobos' textbook of historical method.
2 sheets; Paper. |
1970–1979 |
|
68
|
Correspondence with Theodora Simmons, daughter of Dr. Herbert Chatley about the availability of 'Science and Civilisation in China, Volume 5, Part 1'.
Creator: Simmons, Theodora; Needham, Joseph.
3 sheets; Paper. |
29 Oct. 1982–1982 |
|
69
|
Letters from George Allen & Unwin (Publishers) Ltd about copyright, licensing of photocopying and the Public Lending Right Scheme, 1982. The documents also include an application form for registration on the Scheme and guidance notes for authors and illustrators.
5 pieces; Paper. |
29 Apr. 1983–1983 |
|
70
|
Letter from The Royal Society's Librarian thanking Joseph Needham for the gift of three volumes of 'Science and Civilisation in China'.
1 document; Paper. |
3 Sep. 1985 |
|
71
|
Correspondence with Cambridge University Press and Caves Books Limited, Taiwan about a reprint of the Taiwan edition of the 'Science and Civilisation in China' series.
2 sheets; Paper. |
29 Aug. 1985–13 Sep. 1985 |
|
72
|
Letter from Robin Derricourt of Cambridge University Press about a paperback reprint of 'Science and Civilisation in China, Volume 1'.
Creator: Derricourt, Robert.
1 sheet; Paper. |
18 Sep. 1985–1985 |
|
73
|
Copy of a Joseph Needham article 'China and Science' written for 'China Daily' and related letter from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. The letter states that ithe article will be included 'in the edition to commemorate the Queen's visit to China'.
9 sheets; Paper. |
25 July 1986–1986 |
|
74
|
Sample of paper provided by Cambridge University Press for further volumes of 'Science and Civilisation in China'.
2 sheets; Paper. |
1987 |
|
75
|
Joseph Needham's original file title.
1 document; Paper. |
1949 |
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