SHEN KUA

born 1031, Ch'ien-t'ang, China died 1095, Ching-k'ou Chinese astronomer, mathematician, and high official whose famous work Meng ch'i pi t'an (Dream Pool Essays) contains the first reference to the magnetic compass, the first description of movable type, and a rather accurate explanation of the origin of fossils. The Meng ch'i pi t'an also contains Shen's observations on such varied subjects as mathematics, astronomy, cartography, optics, and medicine. Shen wrote his account after he had been banished from office following the defeat of troops under his command by the Khitan tribes (some 60,000 Chinese perished in the battle).