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Hsu Kuang-chi, born in 1562, was a great scholar and statesmen of the Ming dynasty. Under the reign of Emperor Chung Chen, he was appointed the"Shang-shu" (Minister) of "Li-Pu" (the Ministry of Rites &Education). Studying under Matteo Ricci, an Italian who arrived in China in 1583, he acquired an extensive knowledge of astronomy, mathematics, and fire arms, and made outstanding achievements in the field of arranging the calendar. He is one of several Chinese who studied and then introduced western learning to China in early period. During his lifetime, he wrote and translated many books among which "A Complete Book on Agriculture" and "A Treatise on Geometry" were well-known works. He died on November 8, 1633. In honor of the scholar-statesman, a single stamp was issued, with his portrait as the central design.