Description: (physicist, cartographer, mathematician, astronomer, poet)
Shen Kuo, a renowned Chinese polymath, scientist, and statesman during the Song dynasty, was highly accomplished in mathematics, optics, and horology. As a civil servant, he held prestigious roles including finance minister, governmental state inspector, and head official for the Bureau of Astronomy. Shen was associated with the Reformist faction at court and made substantial contributions to science and technology, such as describing the magnetic needle compass and advancing astronomy, geography, and printing.