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1776-1860 Scientific US Discoveries

By TonyStarns
  • Discovery of Anaerobic Bacteria by David Gruby

    Discovery of Anaerobic Bacteria by David Gruby

    David Gruby, a Hungarian scientist, discovers bacteria that thrive without oxygen. Though not American, this early microbiology research later influences U.S. scientists exploring disease and fermentation.
  • Discovery of Fossilized Mastodon Teeth in New York

    Discovery of Fossilized Mastodon Teeth in New York

    U.S. explorers uncover massive teeth in New York, confirming the existence of an extinct species they call the “American Incognitum” (later identified as a mastodon).
  • Start of the Lewis and Clark Expedition

    Start of the Lewis and Clark Expedition

    The team embarks on their journey west, documenting hundreds of plant and animal species, including the prairie dog, which they send to President Jefferson.
  • Invention of the Steamboat by Robert Fulton

    Invention of the Steamboat by Robert Fulton

    Fulton builds and successfully operates the first commercially viable steamboat, revolutionizing water travel and trade in the U.S.
  • Invention of the Erie Canal Engineering Techniques

    Invention of the Erie Canal Engineering Techniques

    Engineers pioneer new surveying and construction techniques to complete the Erie Canal, which opens the door for future large-scale infrastructure projects in America.
  • Discovery of Ether’s Anesthetic Properties

    Discovery of Ether’s Anesthetic Properties

    U.S. chemists start experimenting with ether, initially for entertainment at “laughing gas parties.” By the 1840s, it is used in surgeries to ease pain.
  • Michael Faraday’s Electromagnetic Induction (Inspires U.S. Researchers)

    Michael Faraday’s Electromagnetic Induction (Inspires U.S. Researchers)

    Though Faraday was British, his discovery of electromagnetic induction directly influences American inventors working on early electric motors and telegraphs.
  • Samuel Morse Develops the Telegraph and Morse Code

    Samuel Morse Develops the Telegraph and Morse Code

    Morse develops a working telegraph and creates Morse Code, fundamentally changing communication in the U.S. and worldwide.
  • Discovery of Neptune Predicted Using Math (with U.S. Input)

    Discovery of Neptune Predicted Using Math (with U.S. Input)

    While British and French mathematicians predict the location of Neptune, American astronomers assist by making some early observations.
  • First U.S. Oil Well Drilled in Titusville, Pennsylvania

    First U.S. Oil Well Drilled in Titusville, Pennsylvania

    Edwin Drake successfully drills the first commercial oil well, marking the start of the U.S. petroleum industry and a new era of energy exploration