Creative Achievement of Eminent Scientists in Tang and Song Dynasties of China: A Historiometric Study

Abstract

The creative achievements of eminent genius in Chinese history are of enormous interest. There is, however, uncertainty about the accurate measurement of eminence and creativity. The most tenable measurement approach is historiometric. Nearly all historiometric research on eminence and creative achievement has involved Western samples. The present investigation used historiometry to test two hypotheses about creative achievement with Eastern samples. These point to developmental adversity (DA) and the “madness‐to‐genius link” thought to facilitate unusual cognitive patterns and thus a creative capacity. Here, historiometric methods were applied to a sample of 55 eminent scientists in the Chinese Tang and Song dynasties. DA and mental illness did not significantly predict Chinese scientists' creative outcomes. Other diversifying experiences, such as religious beliefs, migration, and role model mentors, had a positive relationship with eminence and creative achievement. The Tang and Song dynasties had different religious structures, so religion had a different impact on the creative achievements of scientists. In the Tang Dynasty, religion could positively predict the creative achievements of scientists, while in the Song Dynasty it could not. These findings warrant further research using other eminent creators in Chinese history.