Great Inventions part 2

Great Inventions part 2
Today let's look at "Four Great Inventions". (part 1/2)

This term describes four inventions from ancient China that are celebrated in Chinese culture for their historical significance and as symbols of ancient China's advanced science and technology.

Compass:
The first one is Compass. Invented in about 200 BC during the Han Dynasty but it wasn't used for navigation but for geomancy and fortune-telling. The earliest reference of usage for navigation comes from the book dated to 1040-1044. Initially the lodestone compass was a magnetic needle floating in a bowl of water(known as "wet compass").

Gunpowder:
It was discovered in 9th century by Chinese alchemists searching for an elixir of immortality. During this time the gunpowder formulas' nitrate level was between 27% and 50%. By the end of 12th century formulas was improved and capable to be used in the earliest granades.
In 1280 there was a fire in a bomb store in arsenal in Weiyang which caused  great explosion where 100 guards were killed instantly and wooden pillars were blown to the sky for a distance of 3 km away.
In 14th century the quality of gunpowder allowed to produce first gunpowder powered guns.


Phrases from "Ted":
Baloney - something not true
Example: I think that UFO is utter baloney.
Split-second - very short period of time
Example: They time I had to make a split-second decision.