Jixia gewu bian 幾暇格物編

Jixia gewu bian 幾暇格物編, also called Kangxi jixia gewu bian 康熙幾暇格物編 "Emperor Kangxi's study of the principles of things, compiled in leisure moments" is a scientific miscellany in 6 juan, comprising 93 brief chapters. It covers a wide range of topics, including astronomy, geography, natural landscapes and local conditions, fisheries and agriculture, as well as critiques of academic disciplines and explanations of words and expressions. It was compiled by the Kangxi Emperor 康熙帝 (r. 1661-1722) of the Qing dynasty 清 (1644-1911).

This book emphasises empirical investigation of natural phenomena and substances. The author meticulously examines its name and origins while correcting past misconceptions. The identification of the Yangtze's source (ch. Jiang yuan 江源) in the Bayan Har Mountains 巴顔哈拉嶺, for instance, marks a pioneering contribution in the history of Chinese geography. In the entry "Thunder cannot travel beyond 100 li" Lei sheng bu guio bai li 雷聲不過百里), the author applies mathematical calculations to test the propagation of thunder. Experiments with cannons and thunderclaps further supported this conclusion. In the "Earth" entry (Diqiu 地球), the book reflects the Kangxi Emperor's open-minded engagement with both Chinese and Western scientific thought, rejecting outdated ideas. The Kangxi Emperor was deeply fascinated by astronomy and calendrical studies. In the entry "Canopus" (Laorenxing 老人星), he records how he used astronomical knowledge to correct historical inaccuracies. He frequently gathered court officials at the observatory for hands-on astronomy lectures and dismissed inaccuracies in historical records and calendrical systems. in the "Korean Paper" entry (Chaoxian zhi 朝鮮紙), he debunks the misconception that Korean paper was made from silkworm cocoons: After inquiring with Korean envoys, Kangxi clarifies the papermaking process which is based on the bark of the paper mulberry tree (chushu 楮樹).

The book documents many practical observations drawn from real-life needs and everyday necessities. These records reflect empirical studies aimed at improving agricultural practices and food supply. For example, in the entry "Imperial Rice" (Yu doumi 御稻米), the author describes how a superior variety of rice was discovered and cultivated. Recognizing its potential, the emperor proposes a large-scale adoption of double-cropping rice farming. The book also contains numerous entries on grain cultivation and their characteristics, such as white millet, grain heads transforming into mosquitoes (Gu sui bian wen 穀穗變蚊), mountain water irrigation in Hami 哈密, sand shrubs and weeds, wheat from Heilongjiang or clustered millet (cuansu 欑粟). The book not only examines grains and food production but also provides detailed observations on essential daily commodities, such as salt, silk, and regional products. These entries highlight differences in production methods across various regions and demonstrate a practical concern for the livelihoods of the people. For instance, in the entry "Abag salt" (Abagai yan 阿霸垓鹽), the author compares different salt production techniques across China. Similarly, in "Silk from Muslim regions" (Huizi di chan si 回子地産絲), the author compares silk produced in Northwest China to that of Jiangnan. Other examples in necessities of the daily life of the common folks are the entries on grapes, watermelons from Turpan, snals ans shellfish from the Gobi Desert, cherry blossoms, hanging fruits or willow trees.

Beyond practical concerns, the book also reflects a strong spirit of scientific inquiry, as seen in discussions on atmospheric phenomena, geography, hydrology, and animal behavior. These observations demonstrate early scientific reasoning and curiosity about natural processes. For example, in the entry Mengqi 蒙氣, the author investigates the phenomenon of morning mist. Similarly, in the section Dafaha yu 達發哈魚, the book describes the migratory patterns of the Dahurian salmon (modern term Damaha yu 大馬哈魚), also known as chum salmon.

Throughout the book, the Kangxi Emperor's approach to knowledge is characterized by a commitment to firsthand observation and historical verification. Whether discussing natural phenomena, geography, climate, or local resources, he either references classical texts or conducts personal investigations, refusing to rely on mere hearsay. This empirical attitude—grounded in both historical scholarship and direct experience—demonstrates a scientific spirit that values evidence over convention. His respect for factual accuracy and determination to explore the mysteries of nature make this work a significant contribution to Chinese scientific thought and geographical studies.

The book can be found in the collected writings of the Kangxi Emperor, Shengzu Ren Huangdi yuzhi wenji 聖祖仁皇帝御制文集, in the series Siku quanshu 四庫全書.

The text was first edited as a separate book by Sheng Yu 盛昱 (1850-1900), courtesy name Boxi 伯熙, from the Manchu Bordered White Banner (Manzhou xiangbaiqi 滿洲鑲白旗). He was head of the Directorate of Education (guozijian jijiu 國子監祭酒) and also wrote a book on stele inscriptions, Xueji xunbei lu 雪屐尋碑錄.

It was printed by the Tongxue Studio 通學齋 in the early Republican period.