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Period: Jan 1, 1400 to
Renaissance inventions
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Jan 1, 1411
Piano - spinet
Johannes Spinctus invented the first piano. It didn't have nearly as many keys as the modern piano and was replaced by the harpsichord late in the 16th century. -
Jan 1, 1439
Johann Gutenberg's Printing Press
The movable type printing press is invented by Johann Gutenberg. This discovery allowed workers to print whole sheets at a time saving time and effort. L:ater on, it was used to print many bibles in different languages helping to spread Christianity. -
Jan 1, 1451
Eyeglasses
Nicolas of Cusa invented eyeglasses by using concave lenses. However, he was mostly known as a philosopher and Man of the Church. -
Apr 15, 1452
Leonardo Da Vinci born
Besides being a great artist, Da Vinci was one of the greatest inventors ever to walk on Earth. He wasn't credited with many inventions because the technology was limited, however, when studying his drawings, it is clear that he had envisioned many modern inventions. Some include, the helicopter, hot air balloon, armored car, ball bearings, and hundreds of others. Many consider Da Vinci to be the most gifted genius of all time! -
Jan 1, 1475
Muzzle-loaded Rifle
The first gun using this technology was called an arquebus and was invented in Italy or Germany. The first recorded use was by Philip de Comines, however, it has been documented in both countries at that time. -
Jan 1, 1504
Pocket Watch
Peter Henlein invented the first pocket watch. This was a clock designed to be carried around by a person. Heinlein was a German locksmith who used springs in his invention. By 1524 they were popular and were manufactured regularly. -
Jan 1, 1543
Heliocentric model of universe
Copernicus developed a model of our universe. He was the first to hypothesize that the sun was the center and the planets revolved around it. This was not accepted by the general public because it went against Christian beliefs. -
Jan 1, 1565
Graphite pencil
Conrad Gesner documented use of the first pencil. The first large graphite deposit was discovered in England in 1560, and it is believed that many craftsmen were creating pencils prior to Gesner. -
Microscope
Zacharias Jansen and his father, Hans, create the first microscope by putting several lenses in a tube. It only magnified about 9X. However, it took over 50 years before another scientist was finally able to create a real microscope. -
Galileo's thermometer
Galileo created a simple thermometer to measure temperature. Later on, he invented a more advanced version that he used to make important observations and discoveries. -
Galileo and the telescope
Galileo improved on Lippershey's invention to create a better telescope. He first identified Jupiter's four largest moons. Then he went on to view craters on the moon and make many discoveries in our universe. In addition, he was the first person to repeatedly use the scientific method to draw more accurate conclusions. -
Blood Transfusion
Jean-Baptiste Denys performed the first successful blood transfusion to a human. His first attemps were successful, but then he failed which led to the procedure being banned for 150 years. Since then, it has been an extremely common procedure used to save lives around the world. -
Barometer
Evangelista Torricelli invented the barometer. It had the capability of measuring air pressure. This device helped scientists to forecast weather and learn more about the natural world. -
Sir Isaac Newton's Principia Mathematica
Isaac Newton is one of the greatest physicists and mathemeticians of all time. He published this book which included his three Laws of Motion and the Law of Gravity. His laws were the basis for almost every scientist until the 1900's. -
Steam Engine
Thomas Savery is credited with inventing the first steam engine. Jerónimo de Ayanz created a simpler version that had a single application. Savery's model was very useful in mining. This invention led way to Newcomen and Watt perfecting the steam engine and the beginning of the Industrial Revolution.
