Excerpt:
A seismometer -- an earthquake detector -- was invented in 132 A.D., by Chang Heng, a brilliant mathematician and scientist in the Han Dynasty.
The ancient Chinese believed seismic events, with their death and destruction, were important signs from heaven. So it was important to the Han Court be alerted to earthquakes occurring anywhere in the kingdom. A correct call wins one immortal fame, as in Chang Heng’s case, while disgrace and punishment awaits a wrong call.