How did Zhang Heng invent the seismograph?

Zhang Heng, a scientist, astronomer and philosopher in the Eastern Han Dynasty, was proficient in astronomy and calendar calculation. On the basis of previous studies, he invented the world's earliest hydraulic rotary armillary sphere and seismograph for measuring earthquakes.

seismogram

Zhang Heng is one of the main representatives of Huntian School. He improved the armillary sphere, made good use of the gear system, and grasped the relationship between the armillary sphere and the timing leaky kettle, so that we could effectively measure and determine the position of the star from our indoor perspective.

The seismograph created by Zhang Heng was invented in the first year of Yuanjia, namely 132. According to legend, this seismograph is a great hero of Taishiling. As can be seen from the picture, this seismograph is made of copper and looks like a wine bottle. There is a capital column in the middle, which is called a pendulum.

Eight bronze dragons outside the seismograph are arranged in a systematic and scientific way. They are arranged in eight directions. Clockwise, they are north, northeast, east, southeast, south, southwest, west and northwest, which are connected with the interior of the seismograph, but not independent. Every dragon has a copper ball in its mouth, and the coin of the copper ball is based on its direction. That is to say, during the earthquake, the "single column" is poking the ball, and the ball collides with those mechanisms that control the longkou, making the longkou open.

From this point of view, the seismograph invented by Zhang Heng has eight dragons, which not only makes the internal and external structures have a very clever connection, but also can predict earthquakes more accurately. Zhang Heng's creation shook the ancient and modern times and promoted the development of science.

How did Zhang Heng invent the seismograph?

Zhang Heng was a great inventor in the Eastern Han Dynasty in China. There were many inventions in his life, the most famous of which was the seismograph.

Seismograph recovery map

During the Eastern Han Dynasty, earthquakes occurred frequently, ranging from houses to landslides to river diversions, which caused great losses to people. As an official, Zhang Heng experienced many earthquakes and knew people's sufferings. Therefore, after many studies and repeated verification, he finally invented the world's first seismograph.

The full name of the seismograph is Hou Feng Seismograph, which is drum-shaped, with eight directions on it, and a lifelike dragon is cast in each direction, with the faucet facing down and a copper bead in its mouth. There are eight toads under the tap, with their mouths open and their heads held high. There is a copper column in the seismograph, and there is a mechanism connected with the dragon on the column. When an earthquake occurs in a certain place, the copper columns and beads in the seismograph are shaken to drive the mechanism, and the copper beads will be spit out at Longkou.

In 134 and 12, the seismograph suddenly shook slightly, and a dragon bit a dragon ball. At this time, people in Luoyang did not feel the earthquake at all, so they began to question the seismograph. People don't trust Zhang Heng, thinking that this is just a toy, and some people think that Zhang Heng is making malicious rumors out of nothing. At that time, there were rumors everywhere, but Zhang Heng was in no hurry to defend himself, just sitting tight. Sure enough, a few days later, someone rushed to deliver a letter in Longxi, Gansu Province, saying that a big earthquake did happen there a few days ago. The doubts vanished in an instant, and the seismograph became famous all over the world.

Of course, as an invention more than 1000 years ago, seismographs can only record the general orientation of earthquakes. It cannot predict earthquakes, nor can it monitor earthquake levels. But it still deserves our pride. Our ancestors used to be so wise and dare to practice, which is worth learning today.

What is the evaluation of Zhang Heng from all walks of life?

Zhang Heng is a rare genius in a versatile world. He is an outstanding master of science, writer, inventor, historian and painter in China. He has made great achievements in astronomy, seismology, geography, meteorology, mechanics, mathematics, literature, art and other fields.

Zhangheng statue

Zhang Heng discovered more than 2,500 stars in his life. He has many identities: the inventor of armillary sphere and seismograph, and the maker of compass ... He is deeply loved by later generations. Guo Moruo praised him as "a man with such an all-round development, which has been admirable for thousands of years". In the Outline of China History, Jian Bozan called Zhang Heng "a thinker who opposed divination". In addition, Zhang Heng is also called "Aristotle of the East" by foreigners, which proves people's appreciation and worship of Zhang Heng.

The Book of the Later Han Dynasty was dedicated to Zhang Heng, saying that Zhang Heng was "superior to the world, but not arrogant" and praised Zhang Heng's noble character. Cui Yuan, a friend of Zhang Heng, once praised Zhang Heng's "moral overflow, articles are all floating clouds. The numerology is different from the world, and the production is good. Gorgeous words say, wonderful skills, aboveboard, in harmony with God. Ye Fan wrote that Zhang Heng was knowledgeable, "not good at literature" and "proficient in the Five Classics and Six Arts".

Although Zhang Heng has an official talent, he has no official desire and noble character, and he will never be soft on corrupt officials. He has a keen political vision, a clear political mind, a clever political skill and knows how to be independent. Down-to-earth, not for fame and fortune, insight into social conditions, its own style.

It is hard for future generations to like such a person with good conduct and a totally clean life.