The order of the four great inventions
The order of the four great inventions: papermaking, compass, gunpowder, and printing.
1. Papermaking
Cai Lun improved papermaking in the first year of Yuanxing of the Eastern Han Dynasty (AD 105). He used bark, hemp heads, old cloth, fishnets and other raw materials to make paper through processes such as beating, pounding, copying and baking. It is the origin of modern paper. This kind of paper, the raw materials are easy to find, very cheap, the quality has also improved, and it is gradually used widely. In order to commemorate Cai Lun's achievements, later generations called this paper "Cai Hou Paper".
2. Compass
The predecessor of the compass is Sinan, one of the four great inventions in ancient China. The invention of the compass was no earlier than the Song Dynasty. The compass is the result of ancient Chinese working people's understanding of the magnetism of objects over a long period of practice. As one of the four great inventions in ancient China, its invention played an immeasurable role in the development of human science, technology and civilization. In ancient China, the compass was first used to determine directions in sacrifices, etiquette, military affairs, divination and Feng Shui.
3. Gunpowder
Gunpowder was invented by the Chinese more than a thousand years ago. The study of gunpowder began with ancient alchemy. China was the first country to invent gunpowder. During the Sui Dynasty, the ternary system gunpowder of saltpeter, sulfur and charcoal was born. Black gunpowder officially appeared in the Tang Dynasty (late 9th century).
4. Printing
Printing is one of the four great inventions of the working people in ancient China. Block printing was invented in the Tang Dynasty and was widely used in the middle and late Tang Dynasty. During the reign of Emperor Renzong of Song Dynasty, Bi Sheng invented movable type printing. Printing is the forerunner of modern human civilization, creating conditions for the widespread dissemination and exchange of knowledge. Printing technology spread to Korea, Japan, Central Asia, West Asia and Europe.
The significance of the four major inventions:
1. The invention of papermaking: The invention of papermaking provided economical and durable writing materials for mankind, setting off a revolution in human writing carriers; Engraving and printing greatly promoted the spread of culture; the compass provided conditions for European navigators to sail; the use of gunpowder weapons changed the way of combat, helped the European bourgeoisie destroy feudal fortresses, and accelerated the historical process of Europe.
2. The invention of woodblock printing: greatly promoted the spread of culture.
3. The invention of the compass: provided conditions for the navigation activities of European navigators.
4. The invention of gunpowder weapons: The use of gunpowder weapons changed the way of combat, helped the European bourgeoisie destroy feudal fortresses, and accelerated the historical process of Europe.