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The lever is one of the most fundamental simple machines in ancient civilizations. Archaeological discoveries and historical records indicate that as early as the Pre-Qin period, levers were widely employed, particularly in balance instruments and lifting devices. However, references to the principle of the lever in ancient texts are scarce. The only known discussions appear in a few brief and obscure passages in the Mohist Canon, which do not incorporate mathematical analysis. Additionally, the National Museum of China houses two Warring States balance beams from the Chu area. These beams bear evenly spaced markings that were evidently used for weighing calculations, yet their precise function and significance remain unclear. In this Quantitative History Webinar, Boqun Zhou will offer new insights into the mechanics of levers in the Mohist Canon and the scale markings on Chu balance beams. While Mohist discussions on levers lack quantitative analysis, they adopt an approach similar to the modern scientific method of controlled experiments to examine lever functionality. Meanwhile, the scale markings on Chu balance beams reflect an understanding of the mathematical principle that torque is inversely proportional to weight. However, their use appears to have been confined to dividing unit weights, with calculable values restricted to a small set of integer ratios. By considering these two aspects together, we can gain a more precise understanding of how lever mechanics were conceptualized in the Pre-Qin period. Discussant: Chun Fung Tong, Assistant Professor, School of Chinese/Hong Kong Institute for the Humanities and Social Sciences, The University of Hong Kong #This webinar will be conducted in Mandarin. *By registering for this webinar, you agree to receive free Quantitative History related materials, including event notices. You can also update your preferences at any time. Existing subscribers' newsletter preferences will not be affected.