-
3500 BCE
Sailboat
Wind-powered vessel for transportation and exploration. -
3500 BCE
The nail
Common fastener used in carpentry and construction. -
3400 BCE
Alphabetization
Organizing information using a standardized system of letters. -
3000 BCE
The abacus
Ancient calculating tool for basic arithmetic operations. -
500 BCE
Optical lenses
Precision glass for vision correction and focusing light. -
300 BCE
The lever
Simple machine for lifting heavy objects with a fulcrum. -
300 BCE
Archimedes' screw
Ancient device for moving water uphill. -
200 BCE
Paper
Versatile material for writing, printing, and packaging. -
200 BCE
The compass
Navigation tool using Earth's magnetic field for direction. -
812
Paper money
Currency made from paper for economic transactions. -
1044
Gunpowder
Explosive mixture used in warfare and fireworks. -
1300
The mechanized clock
Precision timekeeping device with mechanical movement. -
1450
Printing press
Process that converts atmospheric nitrogen into usable forms. -
1582
Gregorian calendar
Widely used calendar system based on solar year. -
Sanitation systems
Infrastructure for waste management and public health. -
The sextant
Navigational instrument used to measure angles between celestial objects. -
Plant breeding
Applying genetics for improved crop characteristics and yield. -
The steam engine
Early mechanical engine powered by steam for transportation and industry. -
The cotton gin
Automated machine for separating cotton fibers from seeds. -
Vaccination
Administration of a weakened pathogen to stimulate immunity. -
The moldboard plow
Farming implement that turns soil for planting crops. -
Refrigeration
Technology for preserving and cooling perishable goods. -
Cement
Building material binding materials together for construction. -
Telegraph
Electrical communication system transmitting coded messages over long distances. -
The combine harvester
Agricultural machine that reaps, threshes, and cleans crops. -
Photography
Capturing images using light and chemical processes. -
Anesthesia
Medication that induces temporary loss of sensation during surgery. -
Oil refining
Process of purifying crude oil into various usable products. -
Industrial steelmaking
Large-scale production of steel for construction and industry. -
Oil drilling
Extracting petroleum from underground reservoirs for energy. -
Pasteurization
Heat treatment to kill bacteria and extend food shelf life. -
Internal combustion engine
Power source for automobiles and machinery. -
Telephone
Communication device for transmitting sound over long distances. -
Electric light bulb
Invention that brought light to the darkness. -
Steam turbine
Device converting steam energy into mechanical power. -
Automobile
Self-propelled vehicle for personal transportation. -
Radio
Wireless communication device transmitting audio signals over long distances. -
Air-conditioning
Technology for cooling and controlling indoor temperatures. -
Airplane
Powered aircraft that revolutionized transportation and travel. -
Rocketry
Propelling objects into space using controlled explosions -
Nitrogen fixation
Process that converts atmospheric nitrogen into usable forms. -
The assembly line
Efficient manufacturing process with sequential tasks and specialization. -
Television
Broadcasting images and sound for entertainment and information. -
Penicilin
Antibiotic that revolutionized medicine. -
Nuclear fission
Splitting atoms to release energy. -
Semiconductor transistor
Key component of modern electronic devices. -
The pill
Oral contraceptive medication for birth control. -
Internet
Global network connecting people and information worldwide. -
The green revolution
Agricultural advancements for increased food production. -
Personal computer
Compact device for individual computing and communication.