Paul Hsu Kuang-chi (or Xu Guangqi) was a Chinese nobleman and an official of the Chinese Imperial Court during the Ming Dynasty.

PAUL HSU KUANG-CHI

Paul Hsu Kuang-chi's academic work included mathematics, astronomy and agriculture. He introduced his countrymen to new concepts in mathematics and Western logic. In astronomy Kuang-chi was appointed as the leader of an effort to reform the Chinese calendar. The reform, which constituted the first major collaboration between scientists from Europe and from the Far East, was completed after his death.

He was a friend and protector of the Italian Matteo Ricci, the first Jesuit missionary to succeed in entering the previously exclusive Chinese court. Kuang-chi converted to Christianity in 1603 and supported its spread in China.

1562

to 1633