Modern archaeology has led to the discovery of Han artwork portraying inventions which were otherwise absent in Han literary sources. As observed in Han miniature tomb models, but not in literary sources, the crank handle was used to operate the fans of winnowing machines that separated grain from chaff. The odometer cart, invented during Han, measured journey lengths, using mechanical figures banging drums and gongs to indicate each distance traveled. This invention is depicted in Han artwork by the 2nd century AD, yet detailed written descriptions were not offered until the 3rd century AD. Modern archaeologists have also unearthed specimens of devices used during the Han dynasty, for example a pair of sliding metal calipers used by craftsmen for making minute measurements. These calipers contain inscriptions of the exact day and year they were manufactured. These tools are not mentioned in any Han literary sources. COUNT 5
QSN1 During which period was the odometer cart first created? ANS1 Han QSN2 What item was used to make very small measurements during this era? ANS2 sliding metal calipers QSN3 What has allowed us to discover long lost inventions of the Han era? ANS3 artwork QSN4 What was used to separate parts of grain? ANS4 winnowing machines QSN5 What use did the odometer cart provide? ANS5 measured journey lengths