When China’s ancient scientific and technological achievements are mentioned, the nation will generally refer to the Four Great inventions. The four symbolic 26 (create) – compass, papermaking, printing and gunpowder -- 27 pride of China’s 5,000-thousand-year-old culture, because of their 28 (recognize) role in the development of human civilization.
29 is therefore no surprise that the recent proposal by a group of scholars 30 (redefine) the Four Great Invention has caused a heated reaction. According to the proposed new version, papermaking and printing 31 (merge) into one entry, and compass and gunpowder are delisted. The three new inclusions are silk, bronze and porcelain, 32 proposers said could more scientifically exhibit the most advanced and most influential scientific contributions of ancient China.
The question of 33 the Four Great Invention should be is of course open to the debate. The 34 (late) redefinition attempt, which is reported based on careful studies of available written records and antiques, can at least help today’s people, the younger generation, 35 particular, know more about the brilliance of ancient Chinese civilization.
