Su Song is best known for his invention of the astronomical clock tower, the first mechanical clock driven by escapement in history, which he designed and constructed in 1088. The clock tower was powered by water and featured a water-driven escapement mechanism, an armillary sphere, and various other mechanical devices. It was a masterpiece of mechanical engineering and astronomy and was used for centuries to keep accurate time and make astronomical observations.
Su Song also wrote extensively on astronomy, mathematics, and pharmacology. He was a keen observer of the night sky and made several significant observations of celestial bodies. He also compiled several astronomical treatises and wrote a comprehensive treatise on pharmacology, the Ben Cao Tu Jing, which was the most comprehensive and authoritative work of its kind during the Song dynasty.
In addition to his scientific and technical achievements, Su Song was also a distinguished poet and artist. He wrote over 1,000 poems, many of which are still celebrated today. He was also a skilled painter and calligrapher and was considered to be one of the four great masters of calligraphy during the Song dynasty.
Su Song's contributions to science, technology, literature, and art have made him one of the most revered figures in Chinese history. He was a brilliant polymath whose work had a profound impact on Chinese culture and civilization.