The Wheel
Although the wheel may seem simple, it was a groundbreaking invention at its inception. The challenge lay not only in creating a rolling cylinder but also in figuring out how to connect the wheel to a stationary object in order to facilitate movement.
Electricity
Determining the true inventor of electricity is a complex matter. Some attribute its discovery to Benjamin Franklin due to his kite experiment, while others credit Nikola Tesla, who recognized the potential behind most of the electrical elements we utilize today, earning him the title “Father of Electricity.” Regardless, electricity stands as one of humanity’s most significant advancements, with diverse applications ranging from home entertainment to street lighting.
The Electric Light Bulb
The electric light bulb revolutionized human life by providing a constant source of light, freeing society from reliance on candles after centuries of use. This innovation is largely credited to Thomas Edison, who conducted a hundred experiments before successfully creating the electric bulb in 1879. Although Joseph Swan had made an earlier attempt in 1860, his design failed to sustain illumination for more than a few hours. Consequently, Thomas Edison is recognized as the true pioneer of the electric light bulb.
The Telephone
Many contributions were made in the realm of electronic sound transmission; however, Alexander Graham Bell was the first to secure a patent for the electric telephone, which he invented in 1876. His inspiration stemmed from his work teaching the deaf, along with his visits to his hearing-impaired mother. At that time, Bell referred to his invention as the “electric speech machine.” His telephone brought about a revolutionary change in business and communication, leading to its widespread adoption shortly after its introduction.
The Integrated Circuit
The modern electronic devices we know today would not be possible without the integrated circuit, a concept pioneered by scientist Jack Kilby in 1958. The significance of the integrated circuit lies in its ability to power devices, whether in smartphones or various components of automobiles.
The Internet
The global network of interconnected computers, known as the Internet, is recognized by billions worldwide. While many individuals contributed to its development, the invention is primarily attributed to computer scientist Lawrence Roberts, a member of the team at the Advanced Research Projects Agency (ARPA) of the U.S. Department of Defense. As his team worked to create a communication network to connect computers within the agency, Roberts devised a method known as packet switching for data transmission between devices, which forms the foundation of the Internet as we know it today.