River Kuo (1031–1095): The Polymathic Pioneer of Song Dynasty Innovation River Kuo, also known as Shen Kuo, stands as a singular figure in the annals of Chinese history – a testament to intellectual curiosity and practical ingenuity during the Song Dynasty (960–1279). Born in Hangzhou around 1031 CE, he wasn’t merely a scholar; he was an astonishingly accomplished polymath who excelled across disciplines ranging from mathematics and o…