[比]南怀仁

About the Author

Nan Huairen (1623–1688), originally Ferdinand Verbiest, was a Flemish Jesuit missionary and astronomer who journeyed to China in 1659, where he rose to prominence in the Qing court under Emperor Kangxi. Renowned for his expertise in European science, Nan Huairen served as an imperial astronomer, engineer, and diplomat, introducing advanced Western technologies such as improved cannon designs and astronomical instruments. His scholarly contributions bridged Eastern and Western knowledge, particularly in astronomy and mathematics, earning him the Chinese name Nan Huairen. Through his writings and instruments, he influenced the development of Chinese science during a pivotal era of cultural exchange, leaving a lasting legacy in the history of Sino-European interactions.