李約瑟博士從1937年開始接觸漢字與漢籍，在和中國友朋交往，以及數度訪問中國時，從友人處受贈，或委託北京、杭州等地篆刻店家和機構篆刻了多方漢文印章，包括姓名章、齋號章、閒章和特殊用章，並將之鈐在所藏漢籍上。茲從其所藏漢籍中攝取諸印之像，按各印篆刻的大致年代先後，彙為藏書印譜一編，附於本圖目後。各印章條目下，先列釋文，繼列該印章在李約瑟研究所圖書館的收藏編號、印章材質與印面尺寸，末略述其類屬、相關史事和編年依據。不當之處，尚祈方家指正。

From 1937 onwards, as a result of commencing his Chinese studies, his interactions with Chinese friends, and his many visits to China, Joseph Needham accumulated a number of seals that he used to stamp the books he collected. These were carved by artisans in places like Hangzhou and Beijing, and given to him by acquaintences or purchased by him. They include seals bearing his name or a pseudonym, phrases indicating that they are part of his private collection or designed for a particular use, and other whimsical phrases. Some seals were used by him to stamp the books in his library.

The seals are listed in the likely chronological order of their acquisition. The notes provide a transcription and translation or explanation of their meaning, their measurements, and the material from which they are made. Details of their provenance is given, when known.

This introduction is from the英國劍橋李約瑟研究所東亞科學史圖書館藏漢籍善本圖目.