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Historical Energy Events

By 396606
  • May 24, 1544

    The beginning of electricity

    The beginning of electricity
    English scientist William Gilbert studies magnetism and the corresponding attraction of rubbed amber and various rubbed jewels. He modifies the Greek and Latin terms for amber to produce the English word electric as a noun describing a material that behaved like amber.

  • First steam boat

    First steam boat
    Thomas Newcomen in collaboration with Thomas Savery build the first practical steam engine to use a piston and cylinder, bringing the steam engine out of the lab. It drives a pump in a mine and produces about 5.5 horsepower.

  • Ben Franklin discovers energy

    Ben Franklin discovers energy
    Benjamin Franklin describes in a letter his discovery that a pointed conductor can draw off electric charge from a charge body. This is the basis for Franklin's lightning rod, even before Franklin proves the connection between electricity and lightning.

  • First Match

    First Match
    The match is first discovered by Robert Boyle who rubbed phosphorus and sulfur together.

  • First internal combustion engine

    First internal combustion engine
    Captain Samuel Morey of Oxford, N.H., received a patent for an internal-combustion engine. The engine had 2 cylinders 180- degree cranks, poppet valves, a carburetor, an electric spark, and a water cooling device. The engine was powered by spirits of turpentine vapor.

  • First enclosed water turbine

    First enclosed water turbine
    Benoit Fourneyron builds the first enclosed water turbine of modern design. It develops 6 horsepower.

  • Steam locomotive

    Steam locomotive
    George Stephenson's steam locomotive The Rocket is chosen over three competitors to open the Liverpool to Manchester railway in England. This is considered the start of the railroad boom.

  • Electrical Relay

    Electrical Relay
    Joseph Henry invents the electrical relay, which enables a current to travel long distances from its origin.

  • Daniell cell

    Daniell cell
    John Frederic Daniell invents the Daniell cell, the first reliable source of electric current. It uses interaction of copper and zinc.

  • Velcoipede

    Velcoipede
    Kirkpatrick MacMillan, in Scotland, develops a bicycle powered by treadles and driving rods that does not require the rider's feet to touch the ground. It is called a velocipede.