Zhang Heng (AD 78-139)

Zhang Heng, also known as Pingzi, was a wellknown scientist and litterateur during the East Han Dynasty. During his adolescence, he was curious and eager to learn new things. Later he travelled to the ancient capital Chang'an, and Luo Yang to discuss matters and exchange opinions with famous scholars. At the age of 37, at the imperial court, he was responsible for observing astronomical phenomena, managing national documents and editing national history. He was not only the author of the famous book on astronomy -- Lin Xian, he invented World's first armilary sphere made of bronze and the first machine that was able to detect the direction of earthquakes. His earthquake detector was earlier than the one made by Europeans by 1700 years. He also gave the world's earliest scientific explanation of moon eclipse. Zhang Heng was a "clean" officer, did not accept any bribes and did not associate with any evil person. Zhang Heng was a man of high intellect. As an officer, he was one the of rare "clean" officers in Chinese history.

<-- Armilary Sphere