Research into the history of fuel in Ancient China focused exclusively on the Song dynasty,which we refer to as the weisong(sole focus on Song),with the accompanying and equally overwhelming focus on coal,aptly labeled Coal-Centric.If we are to break through this cognitive entrenchment,the academic community will have to look beyond their desire to see a"fuel revolution"that was sudden,universal,and complete and return to a"transition"that was just the opposite-gradual,localized,and fragmented in nature.It is essential for academia to recognize the rich dimensions of fuel transformation,seen variously in the shift from biofuels to coal but also from predominantly natural biofuels to primarily artificial biofuels,wood-based to grass-based and a focus from providing heat to generating power.Finally,the transformations in fuels other than coal have had a profound effect on ancient Chinese society and ecology,highlighting the need for further investigation.
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