This dissertation investigates the treatment of eclipses in early Chinese astronomy and astrology. It discusses the practice of eclipse divination, mathematical astronomy theories, and the historical events related to calendrical reforms. Astrological and astronomical concern with eclipses started in the Pre-Qin period and expanded, developed and evolved in the Warring States and the Han. In particular I discuss the theories and historical context of a typical calendrical system, the Jing chu li, in order to analyze these developments. For the Pre-Qin period, I explore how eclipses earned their significance in celestial divination with regards to the ruler and to the country, as well as how that motivated the development of astronomical theories of eclipses. For the early imperial period, I draw attention to the tradition of applying and developing a complex of ideas and practices related to eclipses in calendrical reforms.
Guan, Yuzhen,
"THE TREATMENT OF ECLIPSES IN EARLY CHINESE ASTRAL SCIENCES"
(2015).
Egyptology and Assyriology Theses and Dissertations.
Brown Digital Repository. Brown University Library.
https://doi.org/10.7301/Z0RB7307
