Heng, Zhang (Hazards & Disasters)
Heng, Zhang
Zhang Heng (78 A.D.-139 A.D.), a Chinese mathematician and scientist who lived during the Han Dynasty. Heng is thought to have built the first seismoscope or seismometer in A. D. 132.
A model of Heng's seismoscope The device worked on the principle of inertia wherein a mass is suspended. An earthquake shakes the vessel, causing a slight displacement between the mass and the vessel; this movement is transmitted via levers and gears to push out a ball. The surface of the vessel was decorated with motifs of mountains, tortoises, birds, animals, and antique writing. Around the vessel were eight dragons whose mouths held a ball. Around the base of the vessel sat eight corresponding toads with their mouths open, looking upwards. The sign for an earthquake was the falling of a ball from the dragon into the mouth of a toad. The direction of the earthquake was indicated by the position of the toad that swallowed the ball.
Further Reading
- Zhang Heng (Ministry of Culture, P.R.China)
- A Great Chinese Astronomer (Association for Asian Research)
