Celestial Lancets, Ecumenical Science: Lu Gwei-Djen and Joseph Needham's History of Acupuncture
Date
Thu February 21st 2013, 4:15 - 5:30pm
Event Sponsor
Center for East Asian Studies
Location
Okimoto Conference Room, Encina Hall East, 3rd Floor
Speaker:
This paper is part of a larger project historicising Joseph Needham’s Science and Civilisation in China. Here I analyse the 1980 book Celestial Lancets: A History and Rationale of Acupuncture and Moxa by Lu Gwei-Djen and Needham. Celestial Lancets combines a history of acupuncture, engagement with medical literature and consultation with scientific experts, accounts on tours of clinics and surgical theatres, and speculations on the future of Chinese medicine. Lu and Needham wanted to contribute towards an “ecumenical science”, and I show the ways that this book was entangled in the global politics of the construction of “Traditional Chinese Medicine”.
Contact Email
romanoff [at] stanford.edu
Contact Phone Number