When mentioning the technological achievements of ancient China, people often think of the four great inventions: papermaking, printing, gunpowder, and the compass. However, in the Song Dynasty, in addition to the above four technologies, there were three outstanding technological inventions that had a profound impact on later generations, and they were known as the three major inventions of the Song Dynasty technology. This article will explore these three important inventions and their contributions to the world.

1. Movable-type printing

Although China had woodblock printing technology as early as the Tang Dynasty, it was the movable-type printing invented by Bi Sheng in the Song Dynasty that truly ushered in a new chapter in printing technology. Movable-type printing uses movable ceramic or metal characters that can be reused, greatly improving printing efficiency and quality. This invention not only accelerated the dissemination of cultural knowledge but also promoted the development of historical events in Europe such as the Renaissance and the Protestant Reformation.

2. The improvement of the compass

Although the principle of magnetism was discovered in China as early as the Han Dynasty, it was only in the Song Dynasty that the compass was widely used in navigation. Craftsmen in the Song Dynasty improved the compass by adding the stem-and-branch compass points and the 24 solar terms, making it an indispensable navigation tool for sea voyages. This invention greatly improved the accuracy and safety of navigation and provided technical support for later historical events such as the Maritime Silk Road trade and Columbus's discovery of the New World.

3. The advancement of hydraulic machinery technology

The technology of hydraulic machinery in the Song Dynasty also reached a high level. For example, the widespread use of water mills, waterwheels, and other machines greatly improved the efficiency of agricultural production. At the same time, these technologies were also applied to metallurgy, textile, and other industries, promoting the development of industrial technology. The use of these hydraulic machines not only improved productivity but also laid the foundation for mechanized production during the later Industrial Revolution.

Conclusion:

The Song Dynasty was a period of rapid technological progress in Chinese history, with many important inventions and creations emerging at this time. Besides the widely known "four great inventions," the three major inventions of Song Dynasty technology - movable-type printing, the improvement of the compass, and the advancement of hydraulic machinery technology - have all contributed to the process of world civilization to varying degrees. These inventions not only reflect the wisdom and creativity of the people of the Song Dynasty but also leave valuable legacies for our technological development today.

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