Analysis of Doubts in the Artificers' Record

...although there are many varieties of wood, one must harvest them at the proper season. By doing so, one can capture the inherent properties of the timber and utilize its greatest strengths. As the tradition states: “The mountains possess timber; the craftsman then measures it accordingly.” original: "Shan you mu, gong ze du zhi." A classical principle suggesting that nature provides the raw material, but the artisan's judgment determines its utility. Master Zheng Zheng Xuan (127–200 AD), the foundational Han dynasty commentator. notes: “In our current times, hubs gu: the central block of the wheel that rotates on the axle are made of various elms; spokes fu: the wooden bars radiating from the hub are made of sandalwood; and rims ya: the outer circular frame of the wheel are made of oak.”

If a wheel becomes worn out, yet these three materials have not failed in their structural roles, it is called perfectly constructed original: "wan" (完). This refers to a state where the wheel remains a cohesive unit despite heavy use..

To see a wheel remain intact even when worn down allows one to recognize both the beauty of the materials and the ingenuity of the labor. Likewise, concerning the sickles made by the Zhu clan The "Zhu-shi" were specialized artisans in the Zhou royal workshops who crafted metal tools like sickles and knives., it is said: “Though the tool be worn to its end, it shows no flaws.”

When gazing at a wheel from a distance, one desires it to appear sturdy and well-set original: "qun er er xia" (輑爾而下). This describes the visual balance of the axle-tree and wheel, appearing low and stable rather than precarious.; when approaching to inspect it closely, one desires it to have refined precision original: "wei zhi" (微至). As noted on the previous page, this refers to the minimal, precise point of contact between the wheel and the earth.. There is no other quality to seek in this; it is found entirely in the perfection of the circle original: "yuan" (圜). The ideal geometry that ensures smooth movement..

“Gazing” refers to looking from afar, while “inspecting” refers to drawing near for a closer look. It is said: to gaze and observe is to look from a slight distance, which is the method by which...