Today the whole world recognizes the inventions, socio-economic developments and civilization of the Romans and Greeks. However, the cultural and scientific developments of China and Central Asian countries are not acknowledged, because the western countries, intentionally or unintentionally, had neglected them.
China’s inventions and accomplishments were either not presented in front of the world or were only briefly mentioned. There could be elements of malice, jealousy and arrogance in its background. Their inventions created innumerable conveniences for the world.
Some reports have informed that China has always been the center of knowledge, literature, civilization and inventions, just as China has dominated the world economically today. Some ancient inventions in China include the seismometer.
This device was invented at a time when other countries of the world were afraid of earthquakes instead of making a concrete plan against it. China is not located in the seismic zone, however, it may have been the epicentre of some of the worst earthquakes ever. Chinese civilization is also one of the oldest civilizations in the world.
Severe earthquakes are mentioned in a document written by the well-known ancient Chinese historian Sima Qian in 91 BC. He said, “The magnitude of the earthquake in 780 BC changed the course of three major rivers, which led to geographical changes in the region.”
Another historian, Taiping Yulan, has mentioned 600 earthquakes in China. The aftermath of the earthquakes is certain to be catastrophic, apart from famine and drought, which have always led to political upheavals. That is why the kings were very interested in finding out the magnitude of the earthquake and dealing with the problems they caused.
An amazing invention of the ancient Chinese scientists is a wheelbarrow-like device that used to face the south. The invention carried a movable pointer to indicate the south, no matter how the chariot turned. It is still called the “South Pointing Chariot.” The pointer took the form of a doll or figure with an outstretched arm. The chariot was supposedly used as a compass for navigation and may also have had other purposes.
The Chinese were also familiar with the use of copper and bronze around 3000 BC. Samples used during the Shang Dynasty have also been found. It is also said that the metal industry was booming in China at that time. They were somewhat familiar with the alloying techniques of copper, iron, tons of lead and gold.
In 1600 BC, the Chinese made bows and arrows from a combination of bronze, gold and silver. Those who had seen the bows and arrows, which are preserved in the National Museum of China, say that “the arrows fit perfectly in the bow, which minimizes the fear of missing the target.”
Paper and candles are also inventions of Chinese scientists. As the world progresses, the inventions of ancient civilizations become more and more mysterious. The intellect is amazed that man has not reached such perfection today as he did centuries ago. A clear example of this is the Great Wall of China.
