From the incredible and useful discovery of the lightning rod to the revolutionary smallpox immunization, these 10 inventions from more than 250 years ago continue to influence the daily lives of thousands of people.
The Age of Enlightenment, also known as the “Age of Reason,” was a period of great intellectual, scientific, and cultural flowering that spanned from the 17th century to the late 18th century.
This era marked a turning point in history, promoting the exploration of reason, science and education as pillars of society.
During this time, the world witnessed an amazing boom of inventions that laid the foundation for the technological and scientific progress that we still enjoy today.
Although more than 250 years have passed, Many of these inventions continue to play an essential role in the daily lives of thousands of people., demonstrating the great potential and influence of this great era. These are 10 inventions from hundreds of years ago that are still being used today:
The steam machine
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One of the most iconic and revolutionary inventions of the Age of Enlightenment was the steam engine, a creation that changed the way humanity interacted with energy.
Thomas Newcomen, in 1712, and then James Watt, in 1769, perfected this innovation that became the engine of the Industrial Revolution. The steam engine generated energy through the vaporization of water, driving machinery and vehicles such as locomotives and ships.
This invention was the catalyst that transformed agriculture, industry, and transportation, ushering in a new era in human history. It is true that currently the steam engine is rarely used, except for auxiliary services, since it has been displaced especially by the electric motor in industry and by the internal combustion engine.
mechanical loom
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The power loom, developed by Edmund Cartwright in 1784, is another really important example from this era. Revolutionized textile production by automating the weaving process. Through mechanization, the power loom greatly increased efficiency and productivity in the garment industry.
This invention paved the way for the industrial revolution in manufacturing and the expansion of large-scale textile production.
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The navigation compass, although it already existed in earlier times, underwent far-reaching developments during the Enlightenment. this instrument it allowed for more precise and safe navigation, which was essential for the expansion and exploration of new places.
It facilitated the establishment of commercial and colonial routes, which in turn contributed to globalization and cultural exchange between continents.
The sewing machine
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Patented by Thomas Saint in 1790, this machine revolutionized the textile industry by automating the sewing process. Although it has seen great improvements over time, the sewing machine is still an essential tool in the garment making and fashion industry.
mercury thermometer
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In the realm of science and measurement, the mercury thermometer, invented by Daniel Gabriel Fahrenheit in 1714, left a lasting mark. This thermometer marked a major advance in accurate temperature measurement.
Although measurement technology has advanced, the fundamental principle of the mercury thermometer remains relevant in modern thermometers and in various scientific and industrial applications.
Also qualify that since April 2009, mercury thermometers can no longer be manufactured or sold in the European Union.
electric battery
Developed by Luigi Galvani and Alessandro Volta in the late 18th century, it had a profound impact on the understanding and use of electricity. This invention marked the beginning of the study of electricity and paved the way for the creation of energy storage systems, such as modern cells and batteries.
As you may already know, these devices are essential in powering a wide range of technologies, from electronic devices to electric vehicles.
The aerostatic balloon
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Another significant invention of the Age of Enlightenment was the hot air balloon, created by brothers Joseph-Michel and Jacques-Étienne Montgolfier in 1783.
It consisted of a large balloon inflated with hot air, but it marked the beginning of aviation and aerial exploration. Although it was not the first attempt to fly, The hot air balloon was a milestone in the history of aeronautics and opened the door to future innovations in the field of aviation.
The smallpox vaccine
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One invention that radically changed society was the smallpox vaccine, developed by Edward Jenner in 1796. Although not an invention in the traditional sense, this medical innovation is essential to public health.
Jenner’s vaccine marked the beginning of immunization and the eradication of deadly diseases. In addition, the fight against smallpox demonstrated the importance of vaccines in disease prevention and laid the foundation for future medical advances in immunization.
the lightning rod
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The lightning rod was invented by Benjamin Franklin in 1752 as a result of his experiments with electricity. Franklin performed his famous experiment in which he flew a kite during a storm to prove the existence of electricity in clouds.
Before its invention, lightning posed a constant threat to structures, and fires caused by lightning strikes could be devastating. The introduction of the lightning rod radically changed this situation. by providing an effective way to divert lightning electricity away from buildings.
the stopwatch
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Finally, the marine chronometer, invented by John Harrison in 1735, solved one of the greatest problems of navigation: accurately determining longitude at sea. This revolutionary invention allowed sailors to calculate their location more accurately and was instrumental in exploring new territories and expanding trade routes.
the marine chronometer laid the foundation for modern navigation systems and is a testament to the enduring influence of the Enlightenment on maritime technology.