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Paper MakingThe paper making process was invented by Cai Lun 105 A.D. The process involved refining raw materials such as worn fishnet, bark and cloth. The ancient Chinese civilisation used low quality paper made out of silk and Hemp fibre. These materials were better uses for other things than paper.
How has this invention shaped the culture of China? This skill has been exported to other countries such as Korea, Japan, Europe and India. These countries eventually adopted the paper making process and China were as the inventor of the paper making technique. The paper making technique had affected schools, writing and much more. They would have earned a lot of money for sharing the paper inventing skill. |
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Gunpowder The invention of Gunpowder was accidental. Gunpowder was a mixture of sulphur, saltpeter, and charcoal. In China, gunpowder is called huo yao which means flaming medicine. It was by mistake when gunpowder was made. Alchemists were attempting to make an elixir of immortality, but without intention had made gunpowder.
How has this invention shaped the culture of China? Gunpowder was used at the end of the Tang Dynasty. This invention was the base of guns and missiles for the military. When the Song and Yaun Dynasties started, China developed more materials such as cannons, fire arrows and more equipment. Gunpowder in the 12th and 13th century spread out to the Arab countries, Greece, European countries and eventually all over the world. |
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CompassThe compass was another amazing invention that was made in ancient times of China. This device had a forerunner during the Warring States Period. The device was called the Si Nan. The Si Nan was a ladle-like spoon which was a magnet on a plate with the handle of the ladle pointing south. The ladle-like spoon was supposed to represent heaven, and the plate was supposed to represent the earth. In the eleventh century needles made out of magnetised steel were introduced. One end would point north while the other end would point south.
How has this invention shaped the culture of China? The compass had greatly impacted Ancient China on navigation skills. The compass had improved a ship's ability to navigate in long distances. The compass had helped navigation in Ancient China for Captains of ships, sailors and many more. |