Chinese Discoveries & Inventions

Compass

250 BCE

The Chinese people developed the first compass as early as the 3rd century B.C. The first Chinese compasses were pieces of a special type of magnetic mineral called lodestone. Earth itself is like a giant magnetic field, with north and south poles. Because lodestone is magnetic, it is influenced by Earth’s magnetic poles, which are located at earths top points. This is an example of exploration and travel.

Porcelain

80

This is a Chinese invention is a type of fine pottery called porcelain. Some historians think that the Chinese people produced the first porcelain as early as the 1st century. Pottery is used in homes of people today so it fits under the category of everyday objects.

Paddle Wheel Boat

450

The Chinese people paddled paddle wheel boats across rivers and lakes, these boats allowed people to travel faster across them. These boats were also much easier to maneuver than other types of vessels. This is an example of exploration and travel.

Gunpowder

Jan 14, 850

Was accidentally discovered by alchemists that were working with saltpeter to look for the secret of eternal life. This is military technology.

Paper

Feb 15, 860

The Chinese people invented paper making as of the second century. The earliest Chinese paper was probably made from hemp and the bark of a mulberry tree. This paper is an everyday object.

Game Cards

Apr 19, 880

Game cards were invented in China in the 9th century. Printers used a type of printing called woodblock printing to make the cards from very thick paper. Artists drew the designs that appeared on the backs of the cards. Today, card games are played throughout the world, so it is an everyday object.

Flamethrower

Jun 14, 950

By the 10th century, the Chinese people had made the first weapon that used gunpowder, it was called the flamethrower. Early flamethrowers contained gunpowder that was mixed up with oil. The Chinese people used them to spray their enemies with a long stream of fire.

Canal Locks

Oct 15, 960

The canal lock was invented to improve transportation, this happened during the song dynasty. As the land sloped up, parts of canals were difficult to reach. Before them, the Chinese had to drag boats up ramps to higher water. This was difficult and could harm the boats. The new canal locks solved this problem. When a boat entered the lock, a gate was lowered to hold in water. To go down, water was let go by the lock until it reached the water level below. Exploration and Travel.

Rocket

May 23, 1300

The rocket technology was developed in China during the dynasty of song. Rockets were powered by black powders made from saltpeter, charcoal, and sulfur. At first, rockets were used only in fireworks. Later, the Chinese used them as weapons. They even developed a two-stage rocket for their armies. The first stage propelled the rocket through the air. The second stage dropped arrows down on the enemy. This is military technology.