The Imperial Astronomical Bureau and the Official Catholics Community during the late Ming and early Qing Dynasties

During the late Ming Dynasty, with establishment of Calendar Bureau (历局) by Xu Guangqi (1562-1633) and recommendation missionaries Catholics to take part in revision calendar, Imperial Astronomical (钦天监) became an important institution for stay China played role dissemination development Catholicism. Until beginning Qing a government office most official Catholics. Missionaries were not only charge calendar revision, but also converted officials astrology students into through active preaching. The provided protection all over country, retired returned their homes continue spreading Even during prohibition period, still stayed worked Bureau. formation community could be regarded as embodiment Catholic preaching sciences early dynasties. There are many studies on Adam von Bell (1591-1666) Ferdinand Verbiest (1623-1688), less This article tried illustrate basic situation Qing, discussing relationship between Catholicism, analyzes historical influences sciences.