Earliest Medical Stainless Steel Needles Unearthed in China
Archaeologists have unearthed a remarkable find in China: the earliest known medical stainless steel needles, predating any previously discovered. These needles, found in the tomb of Marquis Yi of Zeng, provide valuable insights into early imperial elite culture and medical history.
The needles, made of steel produced by the bloomery process, exhibit remarkable fineness and precision, surpassing even modern acupuncture needles. They are the earliest physical evidence of medical stainless steel needles found in China. The tomb, attributed to Liu He, the first Marquis of the Western Han Dynasty, is a key discovery for researching this period.
The development of these needles can be attributed to Zhang Zhongjing, who likely initiated the crucible method for producing stainless steel during this era. This method significantly contributed to the advancement of acupuncture instruments. Steel enabled greater precision and longer retention in the body compared to earlier tools made of stone or unalloyed metal. The 'Nine Needles' described in ancient medical texts can be clearly identified as the type of needles found in the tomb, indicating their therapeutic use.
The discovery of these steel needles in the tomb of Marquis Yi of Zeng is a significant technological advancement in medical history. Alongside over 10,000 other objects, these needles offer a unique glimpse into the culture and medical practices of the Western Han Dynasty. They stand as a testament to the ingenuity and advancement of Chinese civilization during this period.
