Chinese Inventions

Industry: Paper

150

The earliest Chinese paper was probably made of hemp and then the bark of a mulberry tree. Later, the Chinese used rags. For more than 500 years, the Chinese were the only people in the world who knew the secrets of paper making, The knowledge later traveled around the world, first to Japan and across Central Asia.

CE

Period: 200 to Feb 11, 1400

Industry: Printing

Feb 17, 650

In the 7th Century, the Chinese created woodblock printing. The printer drew the symbol on paper, glued it to a woodblock, then carved out the wood around it to leave the character raised on the wood. By the 8th century, woodblock printing became very famous in China, and there was an entire industry dedicated to the buiness. In the 11th century during the Song Dynasty, a much more efficient, moveable type of printer was created.

Everyday Objects: The Development of the Mechanical Clock

Feb 12, 750

The Chinese made a clock that was better and more efficient than earlier timekeeping devices. The wheel on the clock made a complete turn every 24 hours and dripping water made the wheel turn. Every quarter hour, drums would beat and every hour, a bell would chime. The Chinese later improved their clock in the Song dynasty.

Industry: Tea

Feb 17, 750

At first, tea was usually consumed as a medicine, but by the 8th century, tea shops had popped up everywhere in China. Tea is made by letting leaves steep in water, and can be served hot, or even cold. During the Tang dynasty, the first tea leaves were brought to Japan, and thus making Tea an even more popular industry. Seeds of the tea leaves were sold and brought to countries worldwide.

Military Technology: Gun Powder

Feb 11, 850

The Chinese who accidentally invented gunpowder were called Alchemists. These Alchemists were looking for a cheaper way to obtain gold and eternal life. When working with saltpeter, which supposedly has the ability to lengthen life, the Alchemists discovered gunpowder and the formula was soon recorded.

Everyday Objects: Game Cards

Feb 12, 900

Created in the late 8th or early 9th century, Game cards in China were made by printers that used woodblock printing to make the cards from thick paper. Well-known artists drew designs that went on the back of the cards.

Everyday Objects: Paper Money

Feb 12, 900

Before the invention of paper money, coins were the only form of currency. Much like game cards, paper money was printed with wood blocks. By 1107, Song printers were using multiple wood blocks to print each bill. A single bill would have many colors.

Military Technology: Flamethrower

Feb 12, 950

Early flamethrowers contained gunpowder mixed with oil. The Chinese used them to spray enemies with a stream of fire.

Military Technology: Rockets

Feb 12, 960

Rockets were developed in China during the Song Dynasty (960-1279.) Rockets were powered by gunpowder. at first, rockets were only used in firework displays as entertainment, but then the Chinese began to use them in wars. There were two stages of rockets that the Chinese had created. The first propelled the rocket throigh the air while the second dropped arrows onto their enemies.