C 90 
X. On the Chinese Tear. By J. F. Davis, Esq. F. R. S. 
Read December 19, 1822. 
.All investigation into the Chinese knowledge of astronomy 
tends only to prove, that before the introduction of that sci- 
ence into the empire, first by the Arabians, and afterwards 
by the European missionaries, they were wholly ignorant of 
its principles. It is true that Confucius has recorded thirty- 
six eclipses of the sun, the greater number of which have 
been verified by the calculations of European astronomers : 
but, as has been very truly observed, the recording an eclipse 
may prove the authenticity of historical annals, while, at the 
same time, it proves nothing as to the existence of astro- 
nomical science. As far as related to the mere observation 
of the sky, the Chinese have, from the earliest periods, been 
very particular and assiduous. The remark of Du Halde, 
that “ all these observations are not a little serviceable in 
ascertaining their chronology,” is very true, but they by no 
means prove (what he sometimes appears desirous to es- 
tablish), that the Chinese were astronomers. 
On this one subject, that singular nation has deviated from 
its established prejudices and maxims against introducing 
what is foreign ; and that a people so self-sufficient and vain, 
should at once, in open violation of their general practice, 
have adopted the science of foreigners, and raised its pro- 
fessors to high dignities, is the strongest possible proof 
that they had no science of their own.* It even appears 
• The most sensible estimate of the extent of Chinese knowledge has been made 
by Ren au dot, in his observations on the accounts of the Arabian travellers. 
