Chinese Inventions

China economically is one of the oldest and perhaps, more advanced civilizations in terms of inventions. The technologies used in the U.S. often were first used in China or copied from other countries. These inventions were not “American” inventions at all. For instance, paper money is one of the greatest Chinese inventions to come from the Song Dynasty (960-1279 AD). Compasses were also being used during this time. How do these Chinese inventions affect us?

Inventor Tip:

Registering your idea early could be vital to keeping your rights. Sometimes it's a race to the patent office, as was the case with the telephone with two patents being filed the very same day. Do you even know the name of the OTHER guy?

Many medicines today came from Chinese inventors and Chinese inventions

The discovery of ancient medicine started in China some 2,000 years ago. Thanks to Chinese inventions, herbal medicine and natural remedies have become popular medicine, even here in the U.S. One of the Chinese inventions, which is popular as a medical alternative in the U.S., is acupuncture. This is one of the Chinese inventions which is centuries old.

What are some other Chinese Inventions?

It is said that the Chinese were first to invent the kite. Other Chinese inventions were: the abacus, bamboo, a blast furnace that was water-powered, fans, and the stirrup. It is said during the Han Dynasty, that an inventor gave us the wheelbarrow.

Why are Chinese Inventions important?

Chinese inventions are important because they are the backbone for products found today in the U.S. and other countries. Without the ingenuity of many Chinese doctors, philosophers and thinkers, there Chinese inventions would not exist and could not be copied. Some of the greatest Chinese inventions medically, were the discovery of the first parasite, the development of a number of Chinese herbs and the use of acupuncture to treat patients.

Chinese inventions also helped inspire at least one American word

It is said that the word ‘chintzy’ originated from the Chinese word ‘Chintz,’ a process mimicking silk-making. Who can take credit for at least one of these Chinese inventions becoming coming American ‘slang?’ Chinese women. Some Chinese women copied the silk-making process and today, any cheap Chinese inventions or cheap products in general, are known as being ‘chintzy.’

Why should Chinese inventions by remembered and written about?

Chinese inventions helped shape Americans fascination with the subject of flight. These Chinese inventions are history lessons to individuals worldwide. They are a reminder to not forget our history. These Chinese inventions also give one the opportunity to remember to be thankful for inventions that forged the way for countries to become technologically advanced, to grow and to learn.