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Sep 16, 2024 · Invention, the act of bringing ideas or objects together in a novel way to create something that did not exist before. Ever since the first prehistoric stone tools, humans have lived in a world shaped by invention.
- Wheel. Before the invention of the wheel in 3500 B.C., humans were severely limited in how much stuff we could transport over land, and how far. The wheel itself wasn't the most difficult part of "inventing the wheel."
- Printing press. German inventor Johannes Gutenberg invented the printing press sometime between 1440 and 1450. Key to its development was the hand mold, a new molding technique that enabled the rapid creation of large quantities of metal movable type.
- Penicillin. It's one of the most famous discovery stories in history. In 1928, the Scottish scientist Alexander Fleming noticed a bacteria-filled Petri dish in his laboratory with its lid accidentally ajar.
- Compass. Ancient mariners used the stars for navigation, but this method didn’t work during the day or on cloudy nights, making it dangerous to travel far from land.
Learn the meaning of invention as a new design or creation, or a story that is not true. See examples of invention in different contexts and domains, such as business, history, and technology.
Learn what an invention is, how it differs from discovery, and what types of inventions exist in science, technology, culture and society. Explore the creative process and history of inventors and their inventions, from Volta to Edison.
Learn about the most meaningful advances in history, from the printing press to the Internet, according to the U.S. librarian of Congress. See how these inventions shaped modern life and sparked progress.
Learn about the stories behind 20 inventions that have shaped our modern world, from suspension bridges to toilets. Discover how these innovations improved our health, safety, and quality of life.
Explore the history of inventions and science, from the printing press to the computer, and the inventors who transformed society. Learn about the stories, videos and topics related to inventions and science on HISTORY.
