Technology Use Progression - 16th Century

Pocket Watch

1510

Peter Henlein
When pocket watches first came to be it was generally owned by the rich as a status symbol. They were usually placed upon walls than carried around in pockets. They tended to be awkward and boxy.

Horizontal Water Wheel

1510

Leonardo da Vinci
Transmitted power either through the axle or ring gear. Was generally used to drive belts or gears to directly drive their load. Triggered future inventions to use water-based inventions to create electricity.

Knitting Machine

1587

William Lee
Developed the machine because a woman he fancied showed more interest in knitting than in him. He went to the Queen to patent his idea but was refused. He then made an improved version and began stocking manufacture in France with support from Henry IV.

Compound Telescope

1595

Zacharias Janssen
He and his father created lenses that were encased in a two-tube system. It allowed 3-9 times magnification compared to the other microscopes of the time. Though there is a debate on whether or not he actually created it, he definitely had the skills in order to do so.

Telescope

1608

Hans Lippershey
Rumors say that he got the idea for his design from children playing with lenses, others say he stole the design from Zacharias Jansen. Nonetheless, Lippershey got credit for a patent for a telescope.