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Joseph Needham

Native name: Noel Joseph Terence Montgomery Needham

Also known as: Noel Joseph Terence Montgomery Needham, Henry Holorenshaw

Place of birth:

London Show on Google Maps

Birth date:

1900-12-09 • Birth Sign: Sagittarius

Citizenship:

United Kingdom

Death date:

1995-03-24 (94 years old)

Short Bio:

Noel Joseph Terence Montgomery Needham (; 9 December 1900 – 24 March 1995) was a British biochemist, historian of science and sinologist known for his scientific research and writing on the history of Chinese science and technology, initiating publication of the multivolume Science and Civilisation in China. He called attention to what has come to be known as the Needham Question, of why and how China had ceded its leadership in science and technology to Western countries.

He was elected a fellow of the Royal Society in 1941 and a fellow of the British Academy in 1971. In 1992, Queen Elizabeth II conferred on him the Order of the Companions of Honour, and the Royal Society noted he was the only living person to hold these three titles.

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Arts and culture Science and academia historian biochemist writer philosopher sinologist historian of science London United Kingdom