中国古代角度概念与角度计量的建立

Concept and Establishment of Metrology of Angle in Ancient China

中国古人在其漫长的科技实践中,形成了抽象角度概念,但并没有建立相应的角度计量。他们在不同的领域,用不同的方法解决相应的角度测量问题。在天文观测过程中,古人运用比例对应思想测度天体空间方位。在手工业制造领域,以《考工记》为代表的古代技术百科全书则采用构造法解决具体的角度问题。到了明末,《几何原本》等西方著作的引进,使中国人懂得了角度概念,接受了世界通用的360°分度体系,了解了角度测量仪器和测量方法,角度计量才得以在中国建立起来。

In their long scientific practice, the ancient Chinese have formed abstract concept of angle, though they did not establish angle metrology. They solved angle measurement problems in different fields using different methods. They used proportional measuring thought to measure the space positions of heavenly bodies. In the handicraft manufacturing field, the ancient technology encyclopedia represented by Kao Gong Ji used constructional method to solve concrete angle problems. Not until the end of the Ming Dynasty, when the introduction of Western works such as Elements made the Chinese understand the concept of angle, accept the 360° degree system which is generally used in the world, and know the instruments and method of angle measurement, was the angle metrology established in China at last.