Inspired by engraved name seals, Chinese people invented fixed-type engraved printing around 600 A.D. The skill played an important role in the Song Dynasty but it has inadequacies. It was time-consuming to engrave a model, not easy to store, and not hard to correct errors.
During the reign of Emperor Ren Zong of the Northern Song Dynasty, Bi Sheng invented movable, reusable clay type after many tests. Single types were made and picked out for printing certain books. These types could be used again and again for different books. Because of the large number of different characters in the Chinese written language, this technique did not have a big impression at the time. Today this typesetting technique is considered a revolution in the industry. About 200 years later, this movable-type technique spread to other countries and inspired the growth of world civilization.
Paper Money
Paper currency was a by-product of Chinese block-printing. It started in Tang but not until Song dynasty that it became institutionalized as a governmental policy. It had two main advantages over money made out of silver, gold, copper or iron: It was easier to carry around and the copper and iron could be saved for use in everyday objects.
Compass
During the Warring States period, a device called a Si Nan became the forerunner of the compass. A Si Nan was a ladle-like magnet on a plate with the handle of the ladle pointing to the south. In the 11th century (Song Dynasty), tiny needles made of magnetized steel were invented. One end of the needle points north while the other points south. The compass was thus created. The compass greatly improved a ship's ability to navigate over long distances.
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