Chinese Science and Technology

China’s roots in science and technology date back to antiquity. Independent of other nations, Chinese scientists and philosophers made significant discoveries that are still used today. Chinese astronomers have the first recorded accounts of comets, solar eclipses, and supernovas. Inventions like the abacus, the “shadow clock” and kites were all made in China.

The Four Great Inventions of Ancient China

During the Song Dynasty (1040 – 1044 CE) the first recorded mention of a compass, or “direction finder,” was made. The ancient compass was described as a bar of iron suspended in a bowl of water, always pointing south. This style of “wet” compass was used until the Yuan Dynasty (1271 CE) when a dry compass was made out of a wood and wax combination.

Chinese alchemists in the 9^th century discovered gunpowder while searching for an immortality-inducing drug. Improvements were made on the gunpowder through out the next three centuries and by the end of the 12^th century the gunpowder was potent enough to break through cast iron, thus creating the first use of grenades. Into the 14^th century, Chinese alchemists had perfected the formula for gunpowder, even creating the first handguns and cannons. Another non-military use of gunpowder was the invention of fireworks, which were originally set off to ward away evil spirits.

The art of papermaking originates with Cai Lun, who was part of the Han Dynasty’s Imperial court in 105 CE. Cai Lun used hemp, fishnets, old rags, and mulberry to create paper. In China, paper was first used as shipping and wrapping implement and was not used for writing until the 3^rd century. From the 6^th century on, paper became a widely used product, making everything from tea bags to toilet paper.

Woodblock printing emerged in China around 868 CE and created the first print culture in the world. Movable type was also invented by the Chinese in the 1000s. The woodblock printing method worked better with the Chinese characters than movable type did and thus was more widely used.

Holistic Science

The holistic arts have been China’s biggest effect on scientific advancements. Acupuncture, aromatherapy, herbal medicine, and other Eastern medical practices have had a large impact on the Western public. More recently, with the People’s Republic of China’s economic and political reforms, China has been opened up to more Western influence and thus has made great strides in the areas of genetics, agriculture, and pharmacology.