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Citation: Xinyi Zhao, Haiying Jiang. Unveiling physical chemistry principles in classical Chinese poetry[J]. University Chemistry, ;2026, 41(7): 168-174. doi: 10.12461/PKU.DXHX202504068 shu

Unveiling physical chemistry principles in classical Chinese poetry

Xinyi Zhao ,
Haiying Jiang ^,

College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Northwest University, Xi'an 710127, Shaanxi Province, China

Corresponding author: Haiying Jiang, jianghy@nwu.edu.cn
Received Date: 28 April 2025
Revised Date: 29 July 2025

In ancient Chinese poetry, many seemingly romantic literary descriptions actually conceal profound scientific observations. For instance, Li Shen’s poetry which begins with “At noon, the hoeing under the sun”, appears to be a simple depiction of farming scenes, but it prompts us to ponder: Is this merely a summary of farming experience or a misjudgment that defies scientific laws? Another example is the lotus in Zhou Dunyi’s “Ode to the Lotus” that “remains unstained by the mire”, which raises the question: How can it stay clean in a murky environment? Behind these questions lies the vivid manifestation of physical and chemical principles in natural phenomena. This article will reinterpret classic poetry from a scientific perspective, revealing the deep resonance between ancient wisdom and natural laws, and delving into the intrinsic connection between traditional culture and scientific principles, providing new insights for understanding classical literature and scientific knowledge.
- Traditional culture,
- Classical Chinese poetry,
- Physical chemistry,
- Popularization of science
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