Historical Antecedents in Science and Technology

Learning Outcomes

• Students should understand the reciprocal impact of science and technology on society and the environment.
• Identify significant inventions and discoveries throughout history.
• Discuss scientific and technological advancements in the Philippines.

Ancient Times

• Concerns included transportation, communication, mass production, security, health, aesthetics, and architecture.
• Transportation was crucial for exploration and discovering new territories.
• Communication facilitated the establishment of places and alliances among tribes.
• Weapons and armors were vital for protection and creating new alliances.
• Engineering emerged to address challenges in transportation and infrastructure development.

Sumerian Civilization

• Located in southern Mesopotamia; it laid the groundwork for human civilization between the Euphrates and Tigris rivers.
• Major contributions included the first cities and innovations in transportation, literature, and monumental architecture.
• Cuneiform was developed as the first writing system, utilizing symbols carved on clay.
• Uruk city was recognized as the first true city, showcasing sophisticated construction techniques.
• The Ziggurat of Ur exemplified Sumerian architectural prowess.
• Sumerians developed irrigation systems to support food production amidst environmental challenges.
• Sailboats were the primary mode of transport before the invention of the wheel.
• The wheel was initially used for agricultural applications, enhancing farming efficiency.
• The plow marked the transition from gathering to cultivating food resources.
• First roads were constructed to improve travel efficiency.

Babylonian Civilization

• Emerged near the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, known for engineering and architectural achievements.
• Famous for the Hanging Gardens, considered one of the ancient wonders.

Egyptian Civilization

• Located in North Africa, famous for monumental engineering feats.
• Developed paper (papyrus) which advanced writing techniques.
• Invented ink to improve writing, greatly influencing documentation practices.
• Hieroglyphics emerged as a writing system using symbols for communication.
• Introduced cosmetics for health and aesthetic purposes, showcasing cultural practices.
• Innovations also included wigs and the water clock (clepsydra), which utilized gravity for timekeeping.

Greek Civilization

• Known as the birthplace of Western philosophy and advancements in mathematics and science.
• Invented the alarm clock to signal time management.
• Watermills were significant innovations aiding agricultural processing.

Roman Civilization

• Known for their strong political and social structures in the ancient world.
• The invention of newspapers (gazettes) promoted communication of governmental updates.
• Development of bound books (codex) facilitated more comprehensive record-keeping.
• Roman architecture paralleled Greek styles, showcasing engineering mastery.
• Roman numerals were adapted for better communication in trade and calculations.

Chinese Civilization

• Recognized as the oldest civilization in Asia.
• Silk production facilitated trade routes with the rest of the world.
• Tea was produced by boiling water with tea leaves, originating from Chinese culture.
• The Great Wall of China exemplified extensive infrastructure achievements.
• Gunpowder was developed by alchemists originally seeking immortality.

Medieval/Middle Ages

• Characterized by invasions and migrations, leading to wars and instability.
• Johann Gutenberg invented the printing press, revolutionizing printing methods.
• Zacharias Janssen developed the first compound microscope, enhancing medical investigations.
• Telescopes emerged, driven by exploration needs.
• Advances in weaponry were critical for both offensive and defensive strategies.

Modern Times

• The 19th century saw population growth demanding higher production rates.
• Louis Pasteur invented pasteurization to prolong the shelf-life of dairy products.
• Samuel M. Kier refined petroleum to produce kerosene as an alternative to animal oils.
• Alexander Graham Bell's invention of the telephone transformed communication.
• Modern calculators revolutionized arithmetic calculations, leading to computational advancements.

Philippine Inventions

• Salamander Amphibious Tricycle: Capable of traversing flooded streets, rivers, and lakes—ideal for an archipelago.
• Salt Lamp: Invented by Aisa Mijeno, this eco-friendly light source uses saltwater.
• Medical Incubator: Developed by Dr. Fe Delmundo from local materials, designed for premature infants without electricity.
• Mosquito Ovicidal/Larvicidal Trap System (OL Trap): A natural mosquito trap that's safe for humans and the environment.
• Jeepney: A key innovation in Philippine transportation, transforming mobility and public transport.