-
100
paper
The Chinese invented the art of papermaking by the second century C.E. The earliest Chinese paper was
probably made from hemp and then the bark of the mulberry tree. Later, the Chinese used rags. -
500
padlewheel-powdered boats
The people-powered paddlewheel boats allowed the Chinese to travel much faster on rivers and lakes. These boats
were also much easier to maneuver than other types of watercraft. People still use this type of boat for recreational
activities. -
800
paper money
Paper money was invented by the Chinese in the late 8th or early 9th century. Before that time, coins were the only
form of currency. -
850
Gunpowder 850 EC
The Chinese who first made gunpowder were alchemists, trying to find a substance that might allow people to live forever but they made gunpowder. -
1000
Smallpox
Sometime around the 10th century, the Chinese discovered
how to inoculate people against smallpox, a dreaded
infectious disease. Inoculation is a way of stimulating a
person’s immune system to fight a particular disease.
