宋代四大浑仪的设计与展示价值

浑仪是中国古代天文测量中最重要的仪器,具有象天与望准的功能,在许多科技馆与博物馆中,都可以见到浑仪的身影。不过,古代浑仪的形制并非一以贯之,而是历经多次转变。汉唐之际的浑仪,更加突出对宇宙结构的演示功能。宋代以后,浑仪的观测功能开始受到重视,北宋时期共铸造了四件浑仪,在许多细节上有所不同。北宋四大浑仪在改造中注重结构的简化与测量精度的提高,并直接推动元朝郭守敬发明了简仪。在当代,对宋代浑仪的多样化展示不仅反映了学术界最新研究成果,也折射出今人看待宋代科技的新视角。

The Design and Display Value of the Four Great Armillary Spheres in Song Dynasty

The armillary sphere was the most important instrument of astronomical surveying, used for observing and distinguishing astronomical phenomena in ancient China. Now we can see exhibits of armillary spheres in many science and technology museums. However, the shape and structure of armillary sphere were not consistent; many transitions had been made during the long history. The armillary sphere in the Han and Tang Dynasties had more prominent function of demonstrating the structure of the universe. After the Song Dynasty, the observing function of the armillary sphere had begun to receive attention. The Four Great Armillary Spheres had been cast during the Northern Song Dynasty; each one was different from the others in many details. The four great armillary spheres in the Northern Song Dynasty focused on the simplification of structure and the improvement of measuring accuracy, and directly promoted the invention of the abridged armillary sphere made by Guo Shoujing in the Yuan Dynasty. Nowadays, the diversified display of the armillary spheres of the Song Dynasty not only reflects the latest research results, but also reflects the new perspective of modern people on the science and technology of the Song Dynasty.