Ancient Chinese Contributions
Introduction
China is a home for numerous inventors who created fascinating creations since the ancient time. Many Chinese people were able to invent such things that have been very useful even in the modern time. Those inventions were remarkably useful as many people around the world helped by these inventions to make their lives easier. In this writing, we argue that eight of these useful inventions or contributions proved some innovative change the way we live especially the four most genius creations as why we believe these are the most important inventions ever created. In addition, the study will also discuss one specific invention that I may not live without and state the reason of its essence towards my personal life along with its contribution to the society.
Chinese Inventions and Contributions
Paper Making – This is one of the Chinese’s contributions and was invented in 105 A.C. Paper making usages were then spread all over Central Asia, specifically in Chinese Turkestan. It was also spread in the Arab World in 751 A.D. as well as in Egypt, Syria, and Spain in 1150 A.D. And even in southern part of France and all over Europe (chinawhisper.com).
Gun Powder – The gunpowder was invented in 1000 A.D. and spread its use to Europe when the Mongol expanded between 1200 and 1300 A.D., although this theory has not been confirmed. Gunpowder was used in Europe in 1313, which has been used for cannons. However, Chinese only used gunpowder for firecrackers (travelchinaguide.com).
Compass – A magnetic compass was believed to be invented by ancient Chinese for navigation purpose in 1100 A.D. Traders from the Arab countries learned how to use compass for navigation and was believed that they returned to the West with this invention (travelchinaguide.com).
Mechanical Clock – Historical research claims that the mechanical clock was invented by Yi Xing between 618 and 907 A.D. This invention operates with water that constantly dripping on the wheel, which revolves every 24 hours. As decades went on, this design was developed using a bronze and iron. Centuries later a mechanist and astronomer Su Song of the Song Dynasty developed a more sophisticated design that made him the modern clock ancestor (chinawhisper.com).
Practical Umbrella – The practical umbrella was invented between 386 and 532 A.D. during the Wei Dynasty. Its design purpose is to protect them from the sun and rain. Years later, the umbrella was used for more figurative meaning such as ritual ornaments as well as symbol of Emperor’s trust (chinawhisper.com).
Steel and Iron Melting – Melting steel was invented by Chinese during the Zhou Dynasty between 1050 and 256 B.C. From Shang Dynasty until the Zhou Dynasty, Chinese were into a flourishing period of iron melting. The first ever Chinese metallurgist is Qiwu Huaiwen of North Wei Dynasty, who also developed the process of making steel through wrought and cast iron (chinawhisper.com).
Kite – The kite was invented by ancient Chinese 3,000 years ago. It was created mainly for practical use and was developed for hobby of elite Chinese. Historians claim that kite was accidentally invented when a Chinese farmer prevented his hat from blowing by tying it to a string and that was when the kite was invented (chinawhisper.com).
Horse Harness – The harness used for horses was invented during the fourth century B.C., during the age of division (220-581 A.D.). A chest yoke made out of wood was strapped in a horse’s neck to limit the animal’s full strength (Frater, 2009).
Four Most Innovative Inventions
With these inventions and contributions, four of the most innovative are paper making, mechanical clock, iron and steel making and kite.
Without the paper making invention, people around the world would have not been the idea of the importance of the paper. Paper had a great contribution as it is still being used for many practical ways.
Another important invention is the mechanical clock. This invention made people aware how time can be very important in all aspects. Clock as it was developed in the modern time, is the people’s basis for the specific time of the day, making people to switch from one task to another.
Iron and steel making is another genius innovation from the ancient Chinese. Without their invention, we will not be able to have high-rise buildings, strong bridges that connect one land to another and other infrastructures made out of steel.
The last, but not on the least, is the Kite. This invention gave the human kind the idea of a possibility that a person can be airborne without wings. The kite invention later became the idea of creating an aircraft by the Wright brothers. Since kite still being one of the famous outdoor hobbies, it was not just a mere aircraft idea, but a source of fun for many children around the globe.
Invention that I cannot Live Without
Mechanical clock is the invention that I cannot live without. Clock has been part of my everyday life ever since. It is the invention in which serves as my guide to my everyday tasks, from the time I wake up in the morning until I before I go to bed. Clock gives me a trigger point about what should I do in every hour and my basis of my productivity.
References
Four Inventions of Ancient China: Paper Making, Gunpowder, Printing, Compass. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.travelchinaguide.com/intro/focus/inventions.htm
Frater, J. (2009, April 18). 10 Great Ancient Chinese Inventions - Listverse. Retrieved from http://listverse.com/2009/04/18/10-great-ancient-chinese-inventions/
Top 20 ancient chinese inventions | China Whisper. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.chinawhisper.com/top-20-ancient-chinese-inventions/
