Inventions Timeline: From Ancient Times to Modern Era PDF

STS SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIETY Presented by: Christian Kent C. Nagutom ANCIE NT PERIO D  ANCIENT WHEEL The use of animals for transportation predates the invention of the wheel in ancient civilizations. The exact origins of the wheel remain uncertain, with a common b...

STS SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIETY Presented by: Christian Kent C. Nagutom ANCIE NT PERIO D  ANCIENT WHEEL The use of animals for transportation predates the invention of the wheel in ancient civilizations. The exact origins of the wheel remain uncertain, with a common belief that it evolved from the potter's wheel, a tool used by the ancient Sumerians around 3500 BC. The Sumerians are often credited with the invention of the wheel due to the absence of a similar device in other contemporary civilizations. It is speculated that the transition from the potter's wheel to a transportation wheel may have occurred when someone rotated the wheel to a 90-degree angle for improved mobility. However, it took 1000 to 1500 years before wheels were first utilized on carts for transportation purposes. PAPER Roughly around 3000 BC, the ancient Egyptians began writing on papyrus, a material similar to thick paper. Papyrus is made from the pith of the papyrus plant cyperus papyrus. It is lightweight, strong, durable, and most importantly, portable. Before the Egyptians invented the papyrus, writing was done on stone. Because of the difficulty of writing on stone, writing was reserved only for very important occasions. With the advent of the papyrus, documentation and record-keeping became efficient, widespread, and vast Through its use, information dissemination became exponentially faster. Records were kept and stood the test of time. SHADOOF The shadoof, a hand-operated device used for lifting water, was a groundbreaking invention of the ancient Egyptians. Its significance lies in its contribution to efficient irrigation, a crucial aspect of agriculture along the Nile River. The shadoof's design, involving a counterweight to lift water, introduced a novel concept that had a profound impact on irrigation practices. By employing this ingenious system, ancient Egyptians could efficiently water their crops, leading to increased agricultural productivity The invention of the shadoof not only revolutionized irrigation but also paved the way for more sophisticated irrigation technologies. Its simple yet effective design served as an early precursor to the complex irrigation systems that would emerge later.  ANTIKYTHERA The Antikythera mechanism, discovered in 1902 in Greece, is considered the ancient world's analog computer orrery. Resembling a mantel clock, it was likely housed in a wooden case with a circular face and rotating hands. With a knob for winding forward or backward, the mechanism displayed celestial time, enabling the prediction of astronomical positions and eclipses for calendar and astrological purposes. Believed to have been invented by Greek scientists between 150-100 BC, it stands as one of the oldest known predecessors of modern clockwork technology. AEOLIPILE the aeolipile, also known as Hero's engine, is considered the ancient predecessor of the steam engine. Invented by Hero of Alexandria in the 1st century AD, this steam-powered turbine would spin when the water container at its center was heated. Although it's unclear if the aeolipile had any practical use, it is believed to have been a fascinating "temple wonder" of its time. Vitruvius, a Roman author, architect, and civil engineer, described the aeolipile as a scientific invention that could help understand the laws of the heavens and winds. MIDDLE AGES The Middle Ages, often mischaracterized as a period of stagnation, witnessed significant advancements in science and technology. This period, spanning from the fall of the Roman Empire in the 5th century AD to the European colonial expansion in the late 15th century AD, saw a surge in inventions, innovations in traditional production methods, and the emergence of scientific thinking and methodology. This period's contributions were crucial to the development of many technologies we use today, highlighting the importance of the Middle Ages in the advancement of human knowledge and progress. Heavy Plough The heavy plough, a significant technological innovation of the Middle Ages, revolutionized European agriculture and economy. Initially, clay soil, despite its fertility, was challenging to cultivate due to its weight. However, the invention of the heavy plough made it feasible to harness clay soil efficiently. Professor Thomas Bernebeck Andersen from the University of Southern Denmark highlights the profound impact of this invention, stating that it transformed European agriculture and economy by increasing yields from heavy, fatty, and moist clay soils. Consequently, Northern Europe experienced rapid economic growth, marked by improved agricultural productivity and efficiency. Gunpowder Gunpowder, invented around 850 AD by Chinese alchemists, was initially discovered accidentally. It is believed to have originated from experiments aimed at creating the elixir of life, known as huoyao in Chinese, meaning "fire potion." Before the invention of gunpowder, battles relied on swords and spears. By the late 13th century, gunpowder had spread to Europe and Asia, revolutionizing warfare with advancements such as cannons and grenades. This innovation laid the groundwork for the development of modern weapons. In contrast, the heavy plough triggered an agricultural revolution in Northern Europe, leading to increased yields and more efficient farming practices, contributing to economic prosperity. Paper Money Paper money, a form of currency using marked pieces of paper, originated in China during the 17th century AD. This innovation stemmed from the existing technology of block printing, a process similar to stamping. Prior to the introduction of paper money, gold and silver were the primary forms of currency. While the concept of assigning value to paper was initially met with skepticism, its convenience for transportation gradually gained acceptance among traders and merchants. The Mongols' attempt to introduce paper money into the Middle East in the 13th century faced initial resistance, demonstrating the slow adoption of this novel concept. Mechanical Clock Although there are devices for timekeeping and recording sprung from the ancient times, such as the Antikythera mechanism, it was not until the Middle Ages that clockwork technology was developed. The development of mechanical clocks paved the way for accurately keeping track of time. The sophistication of clockwork technology of the mechanical clock drastically changed the way days were spent and work patterns were established, particularly in the more advanced Middle Age cities. Spinning Wheel The spinning wheel, an important invention of the Middle Ages, revolutionized the process of transforming fiber into thread or yarn, which was then woven into cloth on a loom. While its exact origin remains debated, it is believed that the spinning wheel was invented by the Indians between the 6th and 11th centuries AD. Before its invention, weaving relied on the labor-intensive method of hand spinning. White (1974) highlighted that the spinning wheel increased the speed of fiber spinning significantly, improving linen production in Europe when it was introduced in the 13th century AD. MODERN AGES The rise in global population prompted individuals in the modern era to acknowledge the critical need for improving transportation, communication, and production efficiency. This led to the onset of industrialization, marked by heightened risks to human health, food safety, and the environment. As scientific and technological advancements rapidly progressed, it became imperative to address these challenges to ensure sustainable development.  Compoud Microscope The compound microscope, invented by Dutch spectacle maker Zacharias Jansen in 1590, marked a significant advancement in magnification technology. Working alongside his father Hans, Jansen's experimentation with multiple lenses on a tube revealed the ability to magnify objects to a much greater extent than a single lens magnifier. This innovation allowed for objects to be magnified up to three times their size when fully closed and up to ten times when extended to the maximum. The compound microscope has since become a crucial tool in various scientific fields including medicine, forensics, tissue analysis, atomic studies, and genetics.  Telescope The practical telescope, invented by Galileo Galilei during the Modern Ages, revolutionized the study of astronomy. Galileo's telescope, capable of magnifying objects 20 times larger than Dutch perspective glasses, allowed him to make groundbreaking astronomical discoveries. By observing the sky with his telescope, Galileo identified craters and mountains on the moon, expanding humanity's understanding of the universe's vastness and Earth's relative size within it. This technological advancement marked a significant shift in the field of astronomy, revealing a larger universe beyond previous perceptions and highlighting the Earth's diminutive position in the cosmos.  Jacquard Loom The Jacquard loom, invented by French weaver Joseph Marie Jacquard during the Industrial Revolution, revolutionized textile manufacturing. Prior to its invention, the drawloom required significant manual labor to create complex designs on textiles. In 1801, Jacquard introduced a loom that utilized punched cards to automate the creation of intricate textile patterns, simplifying mass production. This innovation not only transformed the textile industry but also laid the foundation for modern computer technology by showcasing the use of punched cards to direct machines in performing complex tasks.  Engine-Powered Airplane The Wright brothers, Orville and Wilbur Wright, are recognized for inventing and piloting the first engine- powered aircraft. They took a scientific approach to aircraft design and flight, proving that airplanes could fly without airfoil-shaped wings. In their original Flying Machine patent (US patent #821393), they showcased that slightly-tilted wings, which they called aeroplanes, were crucial elements of powered flight. This groundbreaking achievement by the Wright brothers ushered in a new era of aviation, laying the foundation for modern aircraft technology.  Television Television as we know it today was largely invented by the Scottish engineer John Logie Baird. He successfully demonstrated televised objects in outline in 1924, recognizable human faces in 1925, moving objects in 1926, and even projected colored images in 1928. This technology quickly gained popularity, with the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) using it for their earliest television programming in 1929. Despite Baird's pioneering work, his television technology was later criticized for its fuzzy and flickering images due to its mechanical nature compared to the electronic versions that were developed later on.  Inventions by Filipino Scientists The Philippines has a rich history of scientific and technological innovations, with Filipino scientists known for their ingenuity. These inventions are often driven by the necessity and unique social and cultural context of the archipelagic nation. Throughout history, Filipinos have contributed to advancements in navigation, traditional shipbuilding, textiles, food processing, indigenous arts, techniques, and cultural inventions. Some of the significant inventions by Filipino scientists include advancements in these areas. Electronic Jeepney The electronic jeepney (e-jeepney) has been introduced in response to the environmental and economic challenges posed by traditional jeepneys in the Philippines. Originally crafted from surplus military jeeps post-World War II, traditional jeepneys have been a staple of Filipino transportation but have been criticized for their pollution and inefficiency. The e-jeepney addresses these issues by running on electricity, thus reducing noise and air pollution. This innovative mode of transportation not only benefits the environment but also offers a more cost-effective solution for drivers, as electricity is a cheaper fuel alternative compared to diesel. The introduction of e-jeepneys in Metro Manila and Bacolod City marks a significant step towards sustainable and efficient public transportation in the Philippines.  Erythromycin Erythromycin, a crucial antibiotic, was discovered by Filipino scientist Abelardo Aguilar. He isolated the drug from a strain of bacteria called Streptomyces erythreus, which gave the drug its name. However, Aguilar's US employer, Eli Lilly Co., did not credit him for the discovery. This pattern of local scientists not receiving recognition for their work is unfortunately common. Eli Lilly Co. ultimately claimed the merits of the discovery, despite Aguilar's initial contribution. Medical Incubator Fe del Mundo, a renowned Filipino pediatrician and national scientist, is celebrated for inventing the incubator and jaundice relieving device. She made history as the first female pediatrician admitted to Harvard University's School of Medicine and established the country's first pediatric hospital. Her groundbreaking contributions in pediatrics over eight decades earned her the prestigious 1977 Ramon Magsaysay Award, recognizing individuals whose altruistic service significantly benefits society. Del Mundo's original improvised incubator, constructed from native laundry baskets and hot water bottles for warmth, addressed the lack of electricity in Philippine rural areas to regulate newborns' body temperatures. Her invention was truly ingenious and served a critical need in underserved communities.  Mole Remover In 2000, Rolando dela Cruz gained recognition for his innovative local invention called Dewart® and Demole®, which effectively removed moles and warts from the skin without the need for surgical procedures. The products utilized extracts from cashew nuts, a common ingredient in the Philippines, making the formula easily accessible, affordable, and known for its painless and scarless procedure. Dela Cruz's invention earned him a gold medal at the International Invention, Innovation, Industrial Design, and Technology Exhibition in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in 2000.  Banana Ketchup Maria Orosa, a Filipino food technologist, is credited with inventing banana ketchup as an alternative to tomato ketchup during World War II when tomatoes were scarce. Orosa created this condiment using mashed bananas, sugar, vinegar, and spices, which were more easily accessible ingredients at the time. The resulting brownish- yellow ketchup is dyed red to mimic the traditional tomato ketchup. Than k You!