I want to know the answer to the following question:
When was Shen Kuo alive?
All the background I'm provided with is that "One of the best examples would be Shen Kuo (1031–1095), a polymath scientist and statesman who was the first to describe the magnetic-needle compass used for navigation, discovered the concept of true north, improved the design of the astronomical gnomon, armillary sphere, sight tube, and clepsydra, and described the use of drydocks to repair boats.". Is that enough to answer the question?
Answer: yes