Abstract
THIS YEAR’S REVIEW INCLUDES ATTEMPTS TO gather knowledge in and about southern Africa, that took place during the fifth year of each of the previous six centuries. Though the sample of events is small, it illustrates the slow accumulation of scientific k nowledge b efore t he r ise o f professional science during the (late) nineteenth century. 1405 The first of seven Chinese maritime expeditions into the Indian Ocean, comprising 63 ocean-going junks under the command of Admiral Zheng He (1371– 1434), took place this year. Six further expeditions followed during the next 28 years, representing the most adventurous period of maritime exploration in Chinese history. Zheng He brought back various curiosities from Africa, including zebras and giraffes. Two of his expeditions explored the east coast of the African continent, but it is not clear whether he reached the shores of the present South Africa.
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