Speaking of creation, most Chinese people will think of Lu Ban, who has many inventions and creations. Many ancient books such as "Shi Cyan Pearl", "Wu Yuan" and "Ancient History" record that many tools and instruments used by carpenters were created by him, such as the curved ruler (also called the moment or Luban ruler), as well as the ink fountain and plane. , drills, chisels, shovels and other tools are also said to have been invented by Luban. The invention of these woodworking tools freed the craftsmen at that time from primitive and heavy labor, doubled their labor efficiency, and gave civil engineering a new look. Later, in order to commemorate this famous master, people respected him as the ancestor of my country's civil craftsmen.
According to records in the "Shiben", the stone mill was also invented by Lu Ban. Legend has it that Lu Ban used two relatively hard round stones, cut them into dense shallow grooves, put them together, and used human or animal power to turn them, and then grind the rice flour into powder. This is what we call a mill. Before this, people processed grain by putting the grains in a stone mortar and pounding them with a pestle. The invention of the mill changed the up and down motion of the pestle and mortar into a rotational motion, so that the intermittent work of the pestle and mortar became continuous. work, greatly reducing labor intensity and improving production efficiency. This is a major improvement in ancient grain processing tools. The actual situation of Lu Ban's invention of the grinding mill has been unknown, but judging from the archaeological excavations, pestles and mortars were already in existence during the Longshan Culture period (about 4,000 years ago). Therefore, it is possible that the grinding mill was invented in Lu Ban's time. In terms of weapons According to "Mozi Gongshu Chapter", Luban once manufactured "cloud ladders" for sieges and "Gouqiang" (also known as "Gouji") for water warfare for the Chu State, and played a relatively large role in the war. effect. In terms of architecture and sculpture, Luban also made many contributions. "Shu Yi Ji" says that Lu Ban carved a three-dimensional stone map of Kyushu. Lu Ban is indeed one of the best civil construction craftsmen in ancient my country. For more than 2,400 years, he has been regarded as the "ancestor" by civil engineering craftsmen and is respected and commemorated by people. There are many kinds of Luban's inventions and creations, which are scattered in books after the Warring States Period. The main ones are: (1) Mechanical seal. "Book of Rites Tan Gong" records that he designed a "mechanical seal" to bury Ji Kangzi's mother using a mechanical method. His skills are convincing. However, thick burials were prevalent at that time, and this method was not adopted. (2) Agricultural machinery. The invention and adoption of advanced agricultural machinery was one of the important conditions for the development of agriculture in ancient China. "Shiben" said that Luban made stone grains, and "Wu Yuan Qi Yuan" also said that he made rice hullers, mills, and rollers. These grain processing machinery were very advanced at the time. In addition, "Ancient History" records that the stock market relied on Lu Ban to make a shovel. (3) Woodworking tools. Many utensils in ancient times were made of wood, so fine tools were very important to carpenters. "Wuyuan·Qiyuan" says that Luban made ■, drill, and ■kuo (tools for correcting the bending of wood). "Luban Jing" also calls the curved ruler used in carpentry "Luban ruler", indicating that ancient craftsmen believed that the curved ruler was invented by Lu Ban, but this is just a legend. The curved ruler was a commonly used woodworking tool before Luban. (4) Lock key. In the time of King Mu of Zhou Dynasty, there was a simple lock key, which was shaped like a fish. The lock key improved by Lu Ban is shaped like a worm, with a mechanism inside, which can only be opened with the key, and can replace human guarding. (5) Weapons. Hooks and ladders were commonly used weapons in the late Spring and Autumn Period. "Mozi Lu Wen" records that Lu Ban transformed the hook into a "hook strong" for boat warfare. The Chu army used this weapon to engage in water battles with the Yue army. When the overshipping ship retreated, it would hook it, and when the overcoming ship attacked, it would be pushed back. it. "Mozi Gongshu" records that he transformed the ladder into a cloud ladder that could stand in the air and used it to attack cities. (6) Bionic machinery. "Mozi Lu Wen" also records that Lu Ban cut wood and bamboo to make a magpie, which could fly for three days. According to "Hongshu" records, he also made wooden kites to get a glimpse of Song Dynasty. "Lunheng·Ziji·Ruzeng" records a rumor that he made a wooden chariot and horse with mechanisms and a wooden charioteer to carry his mother. (7) Engraving. "Shu Yi Ji" records that Lu Ban once carved the "Kiuzhou Map" on stone, which is probably the earliest stone map. In addition, it is said in ancient times that Luban carved an exquisite stone phoenix. (8) Civil construction. "Shijiyuan" and "Muyuan·Muyuan" both say that Luban created the pavilion, that is, the base on which the door knocker is installed. In ancient times, it was also said that he presided over the construction of bridges; his wife Yun invented the umbrella to protect the craftsmen from the sun and rain. Of course, some legends may be inconsistent with historical facts, but they praised the ingenuity of ancient Chinese craftsmen. Lu Ban is regarded as the embodiment of a skilled craftsman, and is even revered as the ancestor of civil engineering craftsmen.