But if we must find a "belonging" object for it, it seems that there are two choices: one is science and the other is history.
This problem involves some interesting ideas and consequences.
History of natural science, science or history? Or should it be regarded as a branch of natural science or a part of history? From the common sense, science and technology is a part of human life, and the study of its history should of course be regarded as a part of a vast history.
However, for many years, the history of science and technology has been regarded as a branch or vassal of natural science in China.
The research on the history of science and technology of China Academy of Sciences is one of the most powerful research institutes in China, which belongs to China Academy of Sciences.
This fact is the most powerful sign that China regards the history of science and technology as a branch of natural science.
Researchers in the history of science and technology in colleges and universities usually belong to the departments of astronomy, mathematics, physics and chemistry.
The history of astronomy is a special case in the history of science.
Over the years, two disciplines with a history of astronomy have been recognized in China, which is unique among all science disciplines-for example, two disciplines with a history of mathematics have not been recognized under mathematics, and two disciplines with a history of physics have not been recognized under physics.
This little special treatment of the history of astronomy is considered to be "in line with international standards"-because the 46th Committee of the International Astronomical Union (IAU) was established, that is, the professional committee of the history of astronomy, the history of astronomy was recognized under astronomy and considered reasonable.
This special treatment of the history of astronomy is of course beneficial to its own development, but it also provides a convincing case for the concept that the history of science is a vassal of science.
The main reason for this phenomenon is that the history of science and technology has special requirements for its researchers.
Usually, studying the history of a subject requires that researchers have received formal training in the subject.
For example, the study of the history of astronomy requires researchers to have formal astronomical training, and ordinary historians can do nothing about it.
Over time, many researchers in the history of science and technology often feel that they are closer to their subject than to history.
However, although this feeling is natural, it is obviously problematic in theory.
This has had a far-reaching impact on the study of the history of science and technology in China.