Ancient China is well known for its many inventions, like Acupuncture. The history of ancient acupuncture originated with the use of these stones, then slivers of animal bones were used. Later still, bamboo needles were used for therapeutic purposes. Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese system of medicine which involves the practice of inserting fine needles into the skin. Another invention of the Chinese is the Firework. The firework was discovered 2000 years ago by a Chinese cook working in a field kitchen who happened to mix charcoal, sulphur and saltpeter. The mixture burned and when compressed in an enclosure (a bamboo tube), the mixture exploded.