Chinese Inventions

Isaac Asimov's Super Quiz

Published Saturday, June 6, 2009

Subject: CHINESE INVENTIONS
Identify the invention. (e.g., A device for winding and unwinding fishing line. Answer: Fishing reel.)

FRESHMAN LEVEL

1. The use of this white substance to season and preserve food.
Answer________

2. Fabric made from fine threads produced by certain insect larvae.
Answer________

3. A device found in most churches and used to summon people.
Answer________

4. Substance used in fireworks and bombs.
Answer________

5. It replaced clay tablets and other mediums of writing.
Answer________

GRADUATE LEVEL

6. Its invention promoted the production of books.
Answer________

7. The medicinal practice of inserting needles for therapeutic purposes.
Answer________

8. Its invention greatly aided navigation.
Answer________

9. Grain first cultivated and now the main diet of many Chinese.
Answer________

10. Type of fraction where the denominator is a power of 10.
Answer________

PH.D. LEVEL

11. Hand-held stringed weapon used for both warfare and hunting.
Answer________

12. Its use promoted commercial transactions and trade.
Answer________

13. Type of furnace used for the smelting of iron.
Answer________

14. Watertight compartments built into ships.
Answer________

15. Use of this resinous substance as a varnish.
Answer________

ANSWERS:
1. Salt.
2. Silk.
3. Bell.
4. Gunpowder.
5. Paper.
6. Printing.
7. Acupuncture.
8. Compass.
9. Rice (millet).
10. Decimal fraction.
11. Crossbow.
12. Paper currency (bank notes).
13. Blast furnace.
14. Bulkhead (partitions).
15. Lacquer.