Have you ever heard of an invention almost 2,000 years old that could detect earthquakes? Around 132 AD, in ancient China, a brilliant scientist named Zhang Heng engineered the first seismoscope. This ingenious device was a large bronze vessel adorned with eight dragon heads, each clutching a bronze ball. Below every dragon, a toad with an open mouth stood poised to catch any dropped balls. When an earthquake struck, the seismoscope identified the tremor's direction, releasing a ball from the corresponding dragon's mouth into the toad below. This early warning system enabled ancient Chinese officials to respond swiftly to seismic events. Zhang Heng's seismoscope showcased the advanced scientific acumen of its time and paved the way for modern seismology, reminding us of the timeless marvel of human innovation.
