Compass
The compass is another invention from ancient China. The people of ancient China called the compass a Sinan. It was composed of two parts: a metal spoon made of loadstone and a square bronze plate with markings for different positions. When placed on the bronze plate, the spoon would point south. This is different from today's magnetite needle compass which points north. The compass was very important in ancient China for people to navigate the land and for mariners to navigate the seas. Without the contribution of the compass from ancient China, people today wouldn't be able to find their way when they are lost!
Below is a compass from ancient China.
Below is a compass from ancient China.
Watch the video below to learn more about the ancient compass and see how it works!
To learn more about the influence and development of the compass, visit National Geographic and the Smith College Museum of Ancient Inventions.