Wang Chong

Wang Chong lived from 27 to circa 97 AD and was a Chinese astronomer, meteorologist, naturalist, philosopher and writer active during the Eastern Han dynasty. His principal work, the Lunheng, presented a rational, secular, naturalistic and mechanistic account of the world; he pioneered discussion of the square-pallet chain pump in Chinese history and accurately explained water cycle processes. Despite his intellectual achievements Wang experienced persistent financial hardship, famously studying at bookstalls, and his independent thinking eventually cost him his position as district secretary.