Valuable Chinese Inventions
Strayer University

Valuable Chinese Inventions

The Chinese have made many useful inventions that have advanced their culture and others around the world. If it wasn’t for such great ingenious inventions, life even today would be drastically different. Think of that beautiful silk scarf you have being nonexistent. Imagine wars being fought today without guns and grenades. Think of enjoying delicious dishes such as soup and spaghetti without those stringy satisfying noodles. The Chinese people have made spectacular inventions such as great fabrics like silk to innovative combat aids such as Gunpowder and possibly even noodles. In my quest to win a trip to china, this essay will expose the inventions I find to be of the greatest significance to society (Henry, 2011).
Gunpowder, was accidentally invented, the intended use of the substance was to create immortality in humans. Gunpowder did not create immortality, but was lethal if used in explosives. It was made from potassium nitrate, charcoal and sulfur. The Chinese learned of the mixtures power, and soon used it in fire explosives such as hand grenades (Clark, 2013).
The Compass was originally designed to point the “true south”, but had since been used to point to the North. The first Compasses were made of magnetic iron ore, called lodestone. Lodestone becomes highly magnetized when struck by lightning, and points between the North and South Pole. Men would balance the device on a flat surface, and leave it outside during storms, in order for it to hit by lighting for the needle to move. Women would place the compass on dining tables, as a decorative piece (Clark, 2013).
Paper was invented by Cai Lun, which started out as a mixture of wood fibers and water. It was then pressed onto strips of long woven cloths and bamboo. The weave in the cloth allowed the moisture to dry, resulting into a flat dry material. The result was a thin material, which could be easily written on. The first paper was very rough, but did however hold ink for long periods of time (Clark, 2013).
The Wheelbarrow was invented by Jugo Liang, who lived during the Han Dynasty. He came up with the concept of a one-wheeled cart used to carry heavy objects, mainly for military purposes. Liang’s Wheelbarrow did not include handles. People would grip the sides of the barrow to push it, but it was uncomfortable and lacked the user of control. Liang’s idea wasn’t perfect, but his concept did allow others to better the invention (Clark, 2013).
Alcohol was made by the Chinese, using the process of fermentation and distillation of foods such as vinegar and wheat. The intended use of the liquids, were to be used on foods, such as a commandment. People whom eat the sauces found them to be biter and made them sick for short periods of time. A new use for the sauces soon came to light, it then became a beverage used at celebrations, as a special occasion drink (Clark, 2013).
An astronomer named Chang Heng invented an earthquake detector called a seismograph. The seismograph was a heavy vessel, which featured nine spaced openings facing the downwards direction. Below each opening was a detached open pocket. Inside the creation was a pendulum powered by tremor. When in motion, a ball held within the confines of the openings would release towards the earthquake’s direction. The ball would then simply fall into the pocket, due to the chain reaction (Clark, 2013).
A mathematician and a Buddhist Monk named Yi Xing invented the clock during the Tang Dynasty. The clock operated with water steadily dripping on a wheel. It made a full rotation at sunset. The clocks were big and were made of steal and copper. Astronomer and mechanist Su Song whom lived during the Song Dynasty, created a more modern looking clock. Song’s modern clock followed Xing’s design, however it used the sun’s shadow as a guide rather than a spinning wheel (Liyao, 2011).
The Chinese used silkworms to create a fabric called silk, named based off the material’s producer. Silkworms leave behind a stringy material used for nesting purposes. The material soft in texture and has a polished look. The Chinese washed the material and used it to knit, similar to thread. After the discovery of its lasting and soft outcome, people later dyed silk making it even more appealing (Liyao, 2011).
The number of Chinese inventions is enormous, however the impact of the inventions are even greater. Almost all of inventions serve importance, but there are a few that such be highlighted. Paper is an ingenuous invention because of its simple design but its great use. Paper inspired paper-made products such as, cups, napkins, and even animal bedding. If it was not for the invention of paper books would be non-existent, and we might still be using forms of clay tablets today. Gunpowder made the way for the creation of explosives such as seasonal fireworks, bullets, and grenades. Without Gunpowder inspiring modern day guns, defense would be significantly lower. Law enforcement effectiveness would be less immediate and apparent, as suspects would avoid capture. Military operations would be hurt, because guns are can be easily carried and allow persons move with little detection. On a more decorative side, silk has lead to elegance. Silk has been used to create many fashions such as dresses and bedding. Its soft yet strong stitch has allowed both the ancient Chinese and modern society to create beautiful clothes. Finally, the Wheelbarrow has made seemingly impossible workloads actually easier. The Wheelbarrow, has paved the way for today tools such as trolleys. Trolleys have the wheelbarrow concept and is used everywhere, like in stores to load trucks and for moving large items without struggles (Liyao, 2011).
The Greatest Chinese invention is Cai Lun’s paper, because it’s something that even today we cannot live without. Paper is used in almost every way, shape or form, from simple writing paper to dishes. Paper has allowed writing to be easy and long lasting. As a college student I use paper every day from my printed books to notebooks. I use paper receipts for record keeping and paper-made cups daily. Imagine a world without art, artists use paper for drawings and paintings, and even the Holy Bible today is printed on paper (Frater, 2009).
The Chinese have created many useful inventions, from delicate silk to weaponry. It’s hard to speculate what would be used today if it wasn’t for past inventions. Paper is simple, yet is the most used and needed invention. To imagine a less organized world without important paper made documents, such as social security cards, is unheard of and the functionality of society would be in shreds. I wish to win this trip to china to experience both its amazing culture and people whom have inspired the world through their knowledge and creativity (Clark, 2013).

References
Clark, J. (1997). Top 10 Ancient Chinese Inventions. Retrieved
From How Stuff Works website http:// howstuffworks.com
Frater, J. (2009). 10 Great Chinese Inventions. Retrieved from Listverse
Website http://listverse.com
Liyao, B. (2011). Top 10 Greatest Inventions of Anicent China. Retrieved from China . Org. CN
Website http://china.org.ch
Sayre, Henry (2011) The Humanites Culture,Continuity And Change. New Jersery: Pearson