Saturday, March 28, 2026

Atlantic Trivia, March 27, 2026: Chinese language Science

Atlantic Trivia (n.): that quiz which is simply too straightforward when one will get three of three right and too tough when one appropriately solutions any fewer.

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Atlantic Trivia

From a story by Ross Andersen

What ninth-century Chinese language invention was at first employed primarily for fireworks fairly than within the capability that might change the world centuries later?

Its primary ingredient is saltpeter.

And by the way in which, do you know—additionally a tidbit from Ross’s article—that the Chinese language used their newfangled invention of paper just for packing and padding within the early days? It was not used for the dissemination of information till a while later.

Nonetheless, the Chinese language used paper for writing earlier than some other society did, and so they have been pioneers in one other of its makes use of too: TP. The primary recorded use of bathroom paper comes from the scholar Yan Zhitui in 589 C.E.: “Paper on which there are quotations or commentaries from the 5 Classics or the names of sages, I dare not use for bathroom functions.” Implicit right here is that much less heady stuff was honest sport.

Have an awesome weekend!

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