(1) Identify eight to ten of these useful inventions or contributions.
The paper was identified to have been invented in 105 A.D.and revealed to have been credited to a certain Ts'ai-Lun, as the inventor. Although, historical documents alleged that the paper was discovered earlier, the attribute to Ts'ai-Lun was rationalized from his ability to show his invention to the Chinese emperor at the disclosed time frame .
The compass is another useful invention since it was attested to be crucial in navigating purposes in 1100 A.D. . It is useful, especially during the ancient times when no other instrument was available in assisting travellers to find their way, exact location, and designation, as required. Likewise, the tea was reported to have been invented in 2737 B.C. . Tea remains to be a favored beverage until contemporary times. This attests to its usefulness and relevance in the concept of innovativeness and ingenuity.
In addition, the match was revealed to be invented during the era of disunity, or from the period 220 - 581 A. D.. The match remains to be a useful source of producing fire that is used for various purposes.
A sophisticated and delicate invention, the porcelain, was noted to be created during the Tang dynasty (618-906) . It continues to serve as intricate decorative accessories in homes and other architectural edifices. Likewise, porcelain was also noted to be used in dentistry through serving as replacements for crown of the natural teeth . In addition, another lucrative discovery was the silk fabric which was created 2,100 years ago . Until contemporary times, the Chinese have been regarded as the most important source of silk in the global market.
Gunpowder could be considered an important discovery especially as it is used in warfare. It was revealed that gunpowder was created in 1000 A.D. . This discovery is still being used in contemporary times as explosives and as devices in weapons.
In the health or medical field, the discovery of acupuncture as an alternative means of healing has been considered useful and relevant. Acupuncture was noted to be discovered from as early as the 11th to 12th B.C. .
Standardized money was attributed to be discovered by Ban Liang Qian of Qin Dynasty in as early as the 221-207 B. C . This is a useful invention since it enabled the use of a universal medium for trading.
The wheelbarrow was revealed to be invented during the Han Dynasty or in approximately 202 B. C. to A. D. 220 . This is considered an important and useful invention to carry heavy loads with the aid of animals or human.
Finally, the system for iron or steel smelting was revealed to be discovered in 1050 B.C. to 256 B.C. . This technology became he basis for industrialization.
(2) Nominate four that you believe are the most ingenious or innovative.
(3) Explain why you believe these four inventions or contributions are the most useful inventions or contributions from the ancient Chinese.
The four inventions or contributions were believed to be the most useful from the ancient Chinese because until contemporary times, these inventions continue to exist. The fact that these are still existent today is proof of the benefits that man has gained from these discoveries. For instance, paper has been a very important discovery that enabled the production of paper-based products around the globe. Even in times when the electronic medium proliferates, paper is still being used in various endeavors. Likewise, the compass was justified to be important and still be used in contemporary times; especially by travelers and navigators. Even with the invention of the global positioning system (GPS) in areas where application of this technology is not possible, the compass is still the instrument that is being relied on to provide accurate direction and guidance for locations.
In addition, matches continue to exist as the most convenient way to produce fire. Its use and practical application in different endeavors make matches one of the most important contributions of ancient Chinese. Finally, the tea is also considered important, useful, and beneficial. There have been several studies that attest the benefits of tea and it continues to be the preferred beverage even when new beverages have been developed.
(4) Identify one invention or contribution that you cannot live without and explain why.
have been documented and improved without the discovery of the paper.
References
Gill, N. (2014). Top Ancient Chinese Inventions and Discoveries. Retrieved from About.com Ancient/Classical History: http://ancienthistory.about.com/od/ancientchina/tp/050211-Top-Ancient-Chinese-Inventions-And-Discoveries.htm
Inventions, Innovations, and Other Contributions from Ancient China. (n.d.). Retrieved from bcps.org: http://www.bcps.org/offices/lis/models/chinahist/dynasties.html
Top 20 ancient chinese inventions. (2012, November 21). Retrieved from China Whisper: http://www.chinawhisper.com/top-20-ancient-chinese-inventions/
