HIST-0040 Lecture Notes - Lecture 17: Homophone, Han Yu
Document Summary
Originally just used by devoted buddhists, becoming more widespread in late tang and song. [9h century] whole-block printing, an entire page of text and illustrations. [11th century] movable type (one piece of type for each character) invented. Price of books went town accessibility and spread of literature. Drama and other forms of popular culture developed (vernacular literature) Already knew by sung that magnetic needles could be used to point north-south. Song brought down size of the needles and added protective glass cases, making them easier to carry around. Appreciated by mongols as well, who captured chinese gunman and used their gunpowder formula in conquering other territories. The late 19th and 20th centuries economy/ technology. Chinese culture of confucian thought vs. scientific inquiry and experimentation. Idea that these two are not compatible or reconcilable was very prevalent until joseph. The scholar-official clas certified through highly competitive civil service examinations. Acquired prestige from the learning and political clout by serving in office.
