Here are 10 inventions that changed the world as we know it.
1. The Wheel
Before the invention of the wheel humans where severely limited in how they could transport from once place to another. The wheel is thought to have been invented around 3500BC.
2. The Nail
Some 2000 years ago we perfected the art of casting iron. This allowed for the easy construction of buildings and wooden structures.
3. The Compass
Essential for travel, it is thought that the Chinese invented the first ever compass, sometime between the 9th and 11th century. Before this travellers relied purely upon the stars for navigation.
4. The Printing Press
The German Johannes Gutenberg invented the printing press around 1440. This changed the world by allowing books to be cheaply printed and given to poorer communities who would otherwise have no access.
5. Internal Combustion Engine
This enabled for high powered machinery such as cars and aircraft.
6. The Telephone
Alexander Graham Bell was the first to be awarded a patent for the electric telephone in 1876.
7. The Light Bulb
Thomas Edison is credited as the primary inventor, after creating the first fully function setup in 1879.
8. Refrigeration
There is no single inventor as the concept of refrigeration was around for a long time, and over time refrigerators improved.
9. GPS
Since its development in 1978, it is now used world wide in boats, cars and aircraft.
10. The Internet
What you are currently using. Welcome to the World Wide Web.
11. The Walkman
In 1979 sony developed the walkman, a mobile personal music device. Thanks to apple we now have the iPod.
12. The Bar Code
Norman Woodland first developed an early form of the bar code in 1949. It can now be found literally everywhere, around the world.
13. Social Networking
Not much needs to be said about this. Social networking has undoubtably changed the world today.
