(78-139) poet, scientist, mathematician
Zhang Heng was born in Henan (Honan), China. He was sent to the capital, Loyang, to receive his education in Confucian philosophy. Zhang Heng showed an early aptitude for literary pursuits and achieved fame for his poetry in his 20s. His work To Live in Seclusion is considered a masterpiece of the late Han dynasty, and his poem “Rhapsody on contemplating the Mystery” is a good example of fu, rhapsodic poetry.
While most educated young men in China at the time sought to obtain government posts, Zhang Heng spent many years learning mathematics and astronomy instead. His accomplishments in these fields are extremely noteworthy and rival his literary fame. He was able to create an accurate chart of the stars, which assisted in keeping the imperial calendar accurate. He also invented a rudimentary flying machine, which was able to leave the ground, though only for a few moments. In 132, he invented the first seismograph, which traced the direction of earthquakes and their seismic waves. The device could detect shocks from earthquakes across China days before the reports filtered in from the site of the earthquake.
It was only later in his life that Zhang Heng held a series of important government positions in the capital and outlying regions, beginning in 116 and continuing until his death. He is remembered for his literary talents, his abilities in mathematics, and his strong moral code.
Works about Zhang Heng
Hughes, E. R. Two Chinese Poets: Vignettes on Han Life and Thought. Westport, Conn.: Greenwood Press, 1977.
Tong, Xiao, ed. Wen xuan, or Selections ofRefined Literature: Volume Three: Rhapsodies on Natural Phenomena, Birds and Animals, Aspirations and Feelings, Sorrowful Laments, Literature, Music, and Passions. Princeton, N.J.: Princeton University Press, 1996.
