Movable Type Printing (Bi Sheng) [Medieval Inventions Series]
Field Value Invention Name Movable Type Printing (Bi Sheng) Short Definition A printing method that uses reusable individual characters to…
Gunpowder Rocket (Song Dynasty) [Medieval Inventions Series]
Invention Profile Invention Name Gunpowder Rocket (Song Dynasty) Short Definition A self-propelled fire-arrow device powered by gunpowder thrust. Approximate Date…
Rudder (Sternpost Type) [Medieval Inventions Series]
Invention Name Sternpost Rudder (sternpost type) Short Definition Centerline steering blade hinged to a ship’s sternpost Approximate Date / Period…
Hydraulic Forge Bellows [Medieval Inventions Series]
Field Value Invention Name Hydraulic Forge Bellows Short Definition Water-linked systems that deliver a steady blast of air to a…
Water-Raising Wheel [Medieval Inventions Series]
Invention Name Water-Raising Wheel (water-lifting wheel) Short Definition Rotary device that lifts water using buckets, boxes, or compartments Approx. Date…
Mechanical Organ [Medieval Inventions Series]
Invention Name Mechanical Organ Short Definition (1 sentence) Self-playing organ that converts a stored music program into wind-driven notes. Approximate…
Manuscript Illumination [Medieval Inventions Series]
Invention Name Manuscript Illumination Short Definition Handwritten books enhanced with painted decoration and, in many cases, reflective metal (often gold)…
Spectacles Grinding Technique [Medieval Inventions Series]
Invention Name Spectacle Lens Grinding Technique Short Definition Shaping and polishing lenses to a specified optical power Approximate Date /…
Mariner’s Astrolabe [Medieval Inventions Series]
Invention Name Mariner’s Astrolabe (Nautical/Sea Astrolabe) Short Definition Hanging angle-measuring tool for Sun/Star Altitude to estimate Latitude Approximate Date /…
Sextant Precursor [Medieval Inventions Series]
Invention Name Octant (Reflecting Quadrant) Short Definition Mirror-based sea instrument for measuring celestial altitude; direct sextant forerunner Approximate Date /…
Distillation Apparatus [Medieval Inventions Series]
Invention Name Distillation Apparatus Short Definition Boil–condense device for separating or purifying liquids Approximate Date / Period Antiquity–Medieval refinement; 9th–10th…
Moat Drainage System [Medieval Inventions Series]
Invention Name Moat Drainage System Short Definition Water-level control for a moat using managed inflow and outflow. Approximate Date /…
Fortified Stone Castle [Medieval Inventions Series]
Item Value Invention Name Fortified Stone Castle Short Definition Stone-built defended residence with controlled access and layered enclosures Approximate Date…
Gothic Arch [Medieval Inventions Series]
Invention Name Gothic Arch (Pointed Arch) Short Definition Pointed arch; two curved sides meet at an apex Approximate Date /…
Flying Buttress [Medieval Inventions Series]
Invention Name Flying Buttress Short Definition External masonry arch support that redirects vault thrust to an outer pier Details Approximate…
Drawbridge Mechanism [Medieval Inventions Series]
Field Verified Detail Invention Name Drawbridge Mechanism Short Definition Movable bridge span that lifts to manage crossing access and clearance….
Mechanical Bell Tower [Medieval Inventions Series]
Invention Name Mechanical Bell Tower (Tower Clock With Bell Mechanism) Short Definition A building-scale clock system that uses gears and…
Chain-Driven Clock Escapement [Medieval Inventions Series]
Invention Name Chain-Driven Clock Escapement Short Definition Escapement-regulated clockwork paired with a chain transmission for controlled, long-distance power transfer Approximate…
Plate armor [Medieval Inventions Series]
Invention Name Plate Armor (Plate Armour) Short Definition Articulated metal plates forming a close-fitting protective shell Approximate Date / Period…
Longbow [Medieval Inventions Series]
Invention Name Longbow Short Definition A tall bow with long limbs that bends to store elastic energy and sends an…
Trebuchet (Counterweight Type) [Medieval Inventions Series]
Field Data Invention Name Trebuchet (counterweight type) Short Definition Gravity-driven lever launcher with a sling Approximate Date / Period Mid–Late…
Cannon [Medieval Inventions Series]
Invention Name Cannon Short Definition Metal barrel that launches a projectile using expanding gas Approximate Date / Period Late 13th–Early…
Gunpowder weapons [Medieval Inventions Series]
Invention Name Gunpowder Weapons Short Definition Projectile-launch devices powered by black powder gas pressure Approximate Date / Period 9th century…
Paper Mill (Europe) [Medieval Inventions Series]
Invention Name Paper Mill (Europe) Short Definition Water-powered (later mechanized) site for turning fiber into paper sheets Approximate Date /…
Algebra (Al-Khwarizmi) [Medieval Inventions Series]
Invention Name Algebra (systematic equation-solving tradition linked to Al-Khwarizmi) Short Definition Rule-based methods for expressing and solving unknowns in equations…
Arabic Numerals [Medieval Inventions Series]
Invention Name Arabic Numerals (also known as Hindu-Arabic numerals) Short Definition A decimal numeral system using ten digits and place…
Camera obscura [Medieval Inventions Series]
Invention Name Camera Obscura Short Definition Dark chamber; aperture projection; inverted image Details Approximate Date / Period Antiquity; major refinements…
Astrolabe (Islamic Design) [Medieval Inventions Series]
Invention Name Astrolabe (Islamic design) Short Definition (1 sentence) A hand-held astronomical calculator that models the sky on a flat…
Hourglass [Medieval Inventions Series]
Invention Name Hourglass (Sandglass, Sand Timer) Short Definition Fixed-interval timekeeper using gravity-driven granular flow Approximate Date / Period Early 14th…
Soap Making [Medieval Inventions Series]
Invention Name Soap Making Short Definition A method for turning fats and alkalis into cleansing agents that lift oils and…
