Researchers indentify 85 key ancient Chinese innovations   

85项中国古代重要科技发明创造出炉 含温室栽培

(ECNS) -- Chinese researchers have released a list of 85 important scientific and technological inventions from ancient China and also challenged the assumption that powerful dynasties achieved more breakthroughs, Guangming Daily reported on Wednesday.

The list is the result of efforts by members of the research team and the Institute for the History of Natural Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences.

After investigations, recommendations and evaluations by experts, a total of 85 items, concepts and events were selected for inclusion on the list, said Zhang Baichun, an institute researcher.

The list is divided into three categories - scientific discovery and creation, technological invention and engineering achievement.

"Chinese inventions are not limited to these; however, during the selection, we focused on their originality and their influence on promoting scientific and technological development as well as their impact on the progress of civilization."

The research group also discovered differences in the caliber of inventions and creations across different time periods in ancient China.  

Innovations of the flourishing Tang Dynasty (618-907), for example, are not outstanding, while those achieved during the declining Song Dynasty (960-1279) are splendid, according to results.

There are no inventions of note during the 500-year Ming and Qing eras, demanding further research, Zhang noted.