Xu Guangqi or Hsü Kuang-ch'i, also known by his baptismal name Paul or Paul Siu, was a Chinese agronomist, astronomer, mathematician, politician, and writer during the late Ming dynasty. Xu was appointed by the Chinese Emperor in 1629 to be the leader of the Shixian calendar reform, which he embarked on with the assistance of Jesuits. Xu was a colleague and collaborator of the Italian Jesuits Matteo Ricci and Sabatino de Ursis and assisted their translation of several classic Western texts into Chinese, including part of Euclid's Elements. He was also the author of the Nong Zheng Quan Shu, a treatise on agriculture.
Xu Guangqi, Ming Dynasty Chinese politician, scholar and lay Catholic leader (died 1633)
Xu Guangqi, Ming Dynasty Chinese politician, scholar and lay Catholic leader (died 1633)
On April 24, in the year 1562, Xu Guangqi, Ming Dynasty Chinese politician, scholar and lay Catholic leader (died 1633). This event is recorded as a Notable Births event in the history of April 24, a notable event in this corner of history.
1 notable person is associated with this event, including Xu Guangqi. Learn more below.
Key Facts
- This event took place on April 24, 1562 (AD era).
- It is categorised as a Notable Births event in recorded history.
- Referenced in 1 Wikipedia article.
- 1 notable person is recorded as involved in or associated with this event.
- Wikipedia source last updated on 17 April 2026.
On This Date in History
This article draws on content from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
People Involved
More on April 24
Sabina of Bavaria, Bavarian duchess and noblewoman (died 1564)
Sabina of Bavaria, Bavarian duchess and noblewoman (died 1564)
William I of Orange, founding father of the Netherlands (died 1584)
William I of Orange, founding father of the Netherlands (died 1584)
Henry Wriothesley, 2nd Earl of Southampton, English Earl (died 1581)
Henry Wriothesley, 2nd Earl of Southampton, English Earl (died 1581)
Comments 0
Sign in to join the discussion.