Some of those listed (Chinese Inventions) aren't right. I think Needham just wrote everything he can find down?
For instance:
Decimal place value 13th Century BC Ah? Then why does it have a Latin Name?
Clocks, sand AD 1370 ??
Coinage 9th Century BC I know the Romans and even before them had coins
And what the hell is this?
Magic mirrors 5th Century AD
Magic squares AD 190
I use Wikipedia all the time. BUT you need to know it's not 100% correct in many things so don't count on it being so. Anyone can add or change definitions, etc on any subject there.
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Needham was no slug as a scholar - If you are interested check Wikipedia for :
Science and Civilisation in China (all 27 Volumes)
Joseph Needham (bio)
Needham Research Institute (ongoing work)
Most of the places he actually visited over his lifetime....
And it all started when he fell in love:heart: with a stunning chinese girl...(just as I have )
Be warned :-)
