The ancient Chinese innovations have greatly impacted the world. There are four major areas through which China has contributed to modern civilization. These are technological innovation, development in science, art as well as literature. These four areas of innovations contributed greatly to the growth and massive transformation of China up to the current time (Bunch & Hellemans, 2004). This paper offers a succinct discussion of major innovations and inventions/contributions by China.
To begin with, it is imperative to note that the major inventions that were made in ‘Hang dynasty’ during the time period of AD 78-139 included the compass, paper, Fireworks/gunpowder, silk cloth, printing, abacus, architecture, medicine and archaeology. The compass played vital role among the Chinese people especially when there was need to fulfill certain religious functions. Additionally, it was an important component or requirement during constructions of buildings and other structures. The compass was made of a magnetic needle and looked like a wooden spoon. It has significantly impacted the world to date especially in the field of navigation.
The development of paper was crucial towards the growth of literature. This invention came about due to high demand in the use of different symbols in Chinese language. Some of the main sources of paper were wooden strips, bamboo, silk rags, helms and clothes.
The use of Fireworks/gunpowder has changed the face of the world in regard to warfare. Several weapons and fireworks equipment were made from gun powder. These were rockets, fire arrows, cannons, firearms as well as bombards that were used in landmines. These technologies have been embraced to the present times in various countries of the world.
In terms of silk cloth, ancient China first discovered the use of Chinese silk as its first variety. It was the first country to harvest silk from the silk worms. The harvested product was then used in manufacturing papers, clothes, fans and kites. This has also precipitated growth in literature. This also went a long way towards the development of printing technology. Book printing was invented in 7th century. However, this came after the invention of printers and printing skills. In addition, printing designs on clothes was also embraced during the same period of time (868 AD).
An abacus is a counting object that has been used in the field of mathematics for long. It was one of the earliest Chinese contributions in arithmetic. Alongside with the shadow clock, the Chinese made and recorded observations and successfully documented the first solar system (Bunch & Hellemans, 2004). Additionally,
development in architecture was first manifest when the ‘Great Wall of China’ was erected. Most of the skills and architectural designs that were employed in this construction have been embraced all over the world. Moreover, during the middle ages, China developed traditional medicine from plants, minerals, animals, metals, and stones. Archaeology was instrumental during the ‘Song dynasty’ period (AD 960-1279) following the desire of the educated gentry to use ancient vessels in ceremonies and rituals. They believed that the vessels were ‘sages’ products and not of the commons (Needham, Kerr & Wood, 2004). This involved the use of other disciplines such as geometry, optics and astronomy. Rubbings on stones and even bronze were used.
From the given list of innovations, I strongly believe that the development of medicine, silk cloth, architecture and fireworks/gunpowder deserve to be nominated. Other contributions were invention of kites, bronze, the first planetarium, rubber and water powered blast furnace among other things.
Considering the principle of life I believe the four are of great importance. As human beings, we have the basic need. The first one is food which has been naturally provided by nature. Second is shelter that we have to make for ourselves using the naturally provided resources. The innovation on architecture has enabled human beings to make safe and permanent structures from the naturally available raw materials such as stones to shelter themselves from the inevitable rain, cold and sunlight that could otherwise be disastrous to health, using the original Chinese knowledge on architecture. The third basic need is clothing and as such, the innovation of silk as a raw material has enabled the world to make garments/clothing to act as shield against cold and direct sunlight which could be harmful to health. It is against this background that other nations have been able to come up with other materials like cotton and other synthetic fibers that have not only been used in making clothing materials but also other wares such as bags and beddings. The three are geared towards satisfaction of the three basic needs while the forth caters for the repercussions that could be brought about by lack or calamity/hazard of the other three.
Among the four nominated innovations, I believe that the contribution on medicine is of great importance. We are prone to tempering with our health due to various reasons, for instance, the activities we involve in, the various calamities and hazards. Indeed, medicine is crucial in daily life to cure ailments that are inevitable in nature.
References
Bunch, H.B & Hellemans, A. (2004). The history of science and technology. New York: Houngton Mifflins Company.
Needham, J. & Kerr, R. & Wood, N. (2004). Science and civilization in China. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.