Based on the immense, authoritative scholarship of the late Dr Joseph Needham, the world's foremost scholar of Chinese science, and authorised by him, The Genius of China is a captivating introduction to the astounding and unparalleled achievements of ancient China. Undisputed masters of invention and discovery for 3,000 years, the Chinese were the first to discover the solar wind and the circulation of the blood and even isolate sex hormones. From the suspension bridge and the seismograph to deep drilling for natural gas, the iron plough and the parachute, Robert Temple captures the spirit and excitement of centuries of ingenuity in this highly accessible, lavishly illustrated volume.