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Timeline - Inventions
All subjects timeline
Science Engineering and Technology timeline
This thematic timeline contains 269 entries
-6500
Sumerians invent the wheel
Sumerians invent the wheel
-4236
Egyptians institute the 365 day calendar
Egyptians institute the 365 day calendar
-3000
Invention of candles
Invention of candles
-1350
Tutankhamen invents device to chart star positions
Tutankhamen invents device to chart star positions
-450
Invention of the screw by Archytas of Tarentum
Invention of the screw by Archytas of Tarentum
-170
Pergamons invent parchment, on which scholars can write on both sides and also fold
Pergamons invent parchment, on which scholars can write on both sides and also fold
62
Hero of Alexandria invents the aeolipile, a primitive steam engine
Hero of Alexandria invents the aeolipile, a primitive steam engine
132
Chinese invent the seismoscope, which measured an earthquake over 400 miles from the instrument
More about: earthquake
Chinese invent the seismoscope, which measured an earthquake over 400 miles from the instrument
More about: earthquake
271
Magnetic compass invented by Chinese scientists
Magnetic compass invented by Chinese scientists
510
Block-book printing invented by Chinese; this involved the carving of wooden blocks with symbols and text, inking and printing
Block-book printing invented by Chinese; this involved the carving of wooden blocks with symbols and text, inking and printing
644
Persian inventors develop a wind-power machine, a more advanced windmill than that developed by the Babylonians
Persian inventors develop a wind-power machine, a more advanced windmill than that developed by the Babylonians
700
Chinese invent porcelain
Chinese invent porcelain
725
I-Hsing invents a mechanical clock which struck on the hour and half-hour
I-Hsing invents a mechanical clock which struck on the hour and half-hour
1045
Chinese inventor Bi Sheng invens moveable type, four hundred years before Gutenberg's device
Chinese inventor Bi Sheng invens moveable type, four hundred years before Gutenberg's device
1086
First description of a magnetic compass by Chinese scientist Shen Kua
First description of a magnetic compass by Chinese scientist Shen Kua
1182
Modern magnetic compass invented
Modern magnetic compass invented
1232
Chinese invent and use rockets to help defend the city of Kaifeng against Mongol invaders
Chinese invent and use rockets to help defend the city of Kaifeng against Mongol invaders
1366
Invention of weighing scales
Invention of weighing scales
1450
Barovier invents crystallo, a clear soda-based glass
Barovier invents crystallo, a clear soda-based glass
1485
Leonardo da Vinci sketched an idea for a parachute. He later drew flying machines
Leonardo da Vinci sketched an idea for a parachute. He later drew flying machines
1510
Leonardo da Vinci produced notebooks filled with his notes on astronomy, ideas for inventions and mechanics
Leonardo da Vinci produced notebooks filled with his notes on astronomy, ideas for inventions and mechanics
1513
Graf invents the etching process
Graf invents the etching process
1592
Galileo Galilei develops the thermoscope
Galileo Galilei develops the thermoscope
1593
Galileo Galilei invents a water thermometer
Galileo Galilei invents a water thermometer
1609
Galileo Galilei constructs his own telescope and starts his series of discoveries, including the four largest moons of Jupiter, craters on the Moon and the handles of Saturn (later shown to be rings)
More about: telescope
Galileo Galilei constructs his own telescope and starts his series of discoveries, including the four largest moons of Jupiter, craters on the Moon and the handles of Saturn (later shown to be rings)
More about: telescope
1616
Early form of reflecting telescope developed by Italian astronomer Zucchi
More about: telescope
Early form of reflecting telescope developed by Italian astronomer Zucchi
More about: telescope
1619
Machine for grinding lenses invented by Cornelius Drebbel
Machine for grinding lenses invented by Cornelius Drebbel
1622
Invention of the sector by Edmund Gunter, a precursor of the slide rule
Invention of the sector by Edmund Gunter, a precursor of the slide rule
1629
Giovanni Branca develops a primitive steam turbine
Giovanni Branca develops a primitive steam turbine
1643
Evangelista Torricelli invents the mercury barometer and observes the first vacuum
More about: vacuum
Evangelista Torricelli invents the mercury barometer and observes the first vacuum
More about: vacuum
1654
Invention of vacumm pump by Otto von Guericke
Invention of vacumm pump by Otto von Guericke
1654
Sealed thermometer invented by Ferdinand II
Sealed thermometer invented by Ferdinand II
1659
Robert Boyle devises an air pump, and discovers that objects fall at the same rate in a vacuum
Robert Boyle devises an air pump, and discovers that objects fall at the same rate in a vacuum
1673
A gunpowder explosion-driven motor is built by Christiaan Huygens
A gunpowder explosion-driven motor is built by Christiaan Huygens
1674
Simple microscope invented by Anton van Leeuwenhoek
Simple microscope invented by Anton van Leeuwenhoek
1679
Denis Papin invents a steam pressure cooking device
Denis Papin invents a steam pressure cooking device
1690
Denis Papin uses steam to move a piston - it is 22 years until his technique is refined by Thomas Newcomen
Denis Papin uses steam to move a piston - it is 22 years until his technique is refined by Thomas Newcomen
1698
Basic steam engine invented by Thomas Savery
Basic steam engine invented by Thomas Savery
1701
Jethor Tull invents the seed drill as a farming aid
Jethor Tull invents the seed drill as a farming aid
1709
Alcohol thermometer invented by Gabriel Fahrenheit
Alcohol thermometer invented by Gabriel Fahrenheit
1710
Rene Antoine Ferchault de Reaumur develops the first thermometer
Rene Antoine Ferchault de Reaumur develops the first thermometer
1712
20 years after Papin's initial experiments, Thomas Newcomen develops a working atmospheric steam engine
20 years after Papin's initial experiments, Thomas Newcomen develops a working atmospheric steam engine
1712
Thomas Savery and Thomas Newcomen build a practical working engine used in mining
Thomas Savery and Thomas Newcomen build a practical working engine used in mining
1730
First compound magnet produced by Savery
First compound magnet produced by Savery
1731
John Hadley invents the quadrant navigational aid
John Hadley invents the quadrant navigational aid
1733
John Kay invents the flying shuttle, leading to mass production in the textile industry
John Kay invents the flying shuttle, leading to mass production in the textile industry
1733
Invention of achromatic lens by Chester Moor Hall
Invention of achromatic lens by Chester Moor Hall
1737
John Harrison produces a naval chronometer, allowing determination of exact longitudes at sea
John Harrison produces a naval chronometer, allowing determination of exact longitudes at sea
1745
The Leyden jar, an electric capacitor, invented independently by Pieter van Musschenbroek and Ewald Georg von Kleist
More about: Leyden jar
The Leyden jar, an electric capacitor, invented independently by Pieter van Musschenbroek and Ewald Georg von Kleist
More about: Leyden jar
1754
The heliometer is invented by John Dollond. It is used to measure distances between stars, and the diameter of the Sun
The heliometer is invented by John Dollond. It is used to measure distances between stars, and the diameter of the Sun
1757
James Watt began work on the steam engine; he makes his most signifcant developments in 1763
More about: steam engine
James Watt began work on the steam engine; he makes his most signifcant developments in 1763
More about: steam engine
1757
Navigation is enhanced by John Campbell's invention of the sextant
Navigation is enhanced by John Campbell's invention of the sextant
1764
Invention of electrophorous machine by Johannes Wilcke to generate electrical current
Invention of electrophorous machine by Johannes Wilcke to generate electrical current
1764
James Hargreaves invented the Spinning Jenny which facilitated the faster production of cotton products
James Hargreaves invented the Spinning Jenny which facilitated the faster production of cotton products
1769
Richard Arkwright invented a spinning frame which was adapted to use water power
Richard Arkwright invented a spinning frame which was adapted to use water power
1769
Nicolas-Joseph Cugnot demonstrates a 'steam wagon', a predecessor to the first automobile
Nicolas-Joseph Cugnot demonstrates a 'steam wagon', a predecessor to the first automobile
1775
Alessandro Volta invents an electrometer
Alessandro Volta invents an electrometer
1777
Charles Coulomb introduces the torsion balance
Charles Coulomb introduces the torsion balance
1779
Samuel Crompton invented the Mule, a spinning device used to spin yarn into muslin
Samuel Crompton invented the Mule, a spinning device used to spin yarn into muslin
1780
Carangeot invented the hand goniometer
Carangeot invented the hand goniometer
1783
Montgolfier and Michel invented the hot air balloon, and flew it to an altitude of over 1 mile
Montgolfier and Michel invented the hot air balloon, and flew it to an altitude of over 1 mile
1783
Self-winding clock patented by Benjamin Hanks
Self-winding clock patented by Benjamin Hanks
1785
Invention of chemical bleaching by Claude Berthollet
Invention of chemical bleaching by Claude Berthollet
1790
Claude Chappe invents semaphore
Claude Chappe invents semaphore
1793
Eli Whitney invents the cotton gin to separate seeds from fibre
Eli Whitney invents the cotton gin to separate seeds from fibre
1794
Cotton gin patented by Eli Whitney
Cotton gin patented by Eli Whitney
1795
Nicholas-Jacques Conte mixes clay and graphite to produce the modern pencil
Nicholas-Jacques Conte mixes clay and graphite to produce the modern pencil
1800
The voltaic cell (Volta's pile) is invented by Alessandro Volta; it is a prototype battery
More about: voltaic cell
The voltaic cell (Volta's pile) is invented by Alessandro Volta; it is a prototype battery
More about: voltaic cell
1801
Joseph Jacquard invented the Jacquard loom, which used punch cards to create patterns in fabric
Joseph Jacquard invented the Jacquard loom, which used punch cards to create patterns in fabric
1802
Johann Wilhelm Ritter develops a dry cell battery
Johann Wilhelm Ritter develops a dry cell battery
1805
Luigi Brugnatelli invents modern electroplating
Luigi Brugnatelli invents modern electroplating
1808
Humphry Davy demonstrates the first electric carbon arc light
Humphry Davy demonstrates the first electric carbon arc light
1815
Humphry Davy invents the safety lamp for use by miners
Humphry Davy invents the safety lamp for use by miners
1816
Three years after building the first textile mill, Francis Lowell builds a power loom
Three years after building the first textile mill, Francis Lowell builds a power loom
1816
Frenchman Rene Lannec invents the stethoscope
Frenchman Rene Lannec invents the stethoscope
1820
Nicol invented the Nicol prism, a type of polariser made from transparent Iceland spar
Nicol invented the Nicol prism, a type of polariser made from transparent Iceland spar
1827
Amici invents the achromatic microscope lens
Amici invents the achromatic microscope lens
1827
The phosphorus match is developed by John Walker
The phosphorus match is developed by John Walker
1829
Louis Braille invented embossed typing for the blind reader which bears his name
Louis Braille invented embossed typing for the blind reader which bears his name
1830
Joseph Henry builds the first electromagnetic motor; it has little practical use
More about: electromagnetism
Joseph Henry builds the first electromagnetic motor; it has little practical use
More about: electromagnetism
1831
Invention of the safety fuse for explosives by William Bickford
Invention of the safety fuse for explosives by William Bickford
1832
Fourneyron produces the first water turbine
Fourneyron produces the first water turbine
1839
William Robert Grove developed the first fuel cell, combining hydrogen and oxygen to produce electrical power
William Robert Grove developed the first fuel cell, combining hydrogen and oxygen to produce electrical power
1849
Brewster builds the first model stereoscope
Brewster builds the first model stereoscope
1850
Robert Bunsen invents the Bunsen burner
Robert Bunsen invents the Bunsen burner
1851
Patenting of themosetting ebonite material by Goodyear - it can be used to make pens, jewellery and similar items
Patenting of themosetting ebonite material by Goodyear - it can be used to make pens, jewellery and similar items
1853
Sir George Cayley builds and flies a glider
Sir George Cayley builds and flies a glider
1855
Luigi Palmieri invents the mercury seismometer
Luigi Palmieri invents the mercury seismometer
1855
Patent granted for production of nitrocellulose, first artificial fibres
Patent granted for production of nitrocellulose, first artificial fibres
1856
Bessemer process for steel production introduced
More about: steel
More about: Bessemer process
More about: alloy
Bessemer process for steel production introduced
More about: steel
More about: Bessemer process
More about: alloy
1859
Gaston Plante invents a storage lead-acid battery (now used as car batteries)
Gaston Plante invents a storage lead-acid battery (now used as car batteries)
1859
Plucker invents the cathode ray tube
Plucker invents the cathode ray tube
1860
Internal combustion engine developed by Lenoir
Internal combustion engine developed by Lenoir
1863
Joseph Wilbrand invents TNT, trinitrotoluene
Joseph Wilbrand invents TNT, trinitrotoluene
1863
French chemist Louis Pasteur invents the pasteurisation process
French chemist Louis Pasteur invents the pasteurisation process
1865
Nobel invents the blasting cap for detonating nitroglycerin
Nobel invents the blasting cap for detonating nitroglycerin
1867
Fluorescent lamp devised and demonstrated by Becquerel
Fluorescent lamp devised and demonstrated by Becquerel
1872
William Thomson invents a wireline sounding machine which increases accuracy of depth measurement
William Thomson invents a wireline sounding machine which increases accuracy of depth measurement
1878
Remington Number 2 typewriter invented, allowing its users to type both upper and lower case from the same keyboard
Remington Number 2 typewriter invented, allowing its users to type both upper and lower case from the same keyboard
1879
Thomas Edison invents the light bulb
Thomas Edison invents the light bulb
1880
John Milne invented the horizontal pendulum seismograph, the first modern seismograph, used for measuring seismic waves
John Milne invented the horizontal pendulum seismograph, the first modern seismograph, used for measuring seismic waves
1881
First commercial dry cell battery invented by Carl Gassner
First commercial dry cell battery invented by Carl Gassner
1888
John Dunlop invents the pneumatic tyre
John Dunlop invents the pneumatic tyre
1888
Ballistite, a smokeless powder explosive, invented by Nobel
Ballistite, a smokeless powder explosive, invented by Nobel
1889
First direct dial telephone invented by Strowger
First direct dial telephone invented by Strowger
1892
Dewar (vaccum) flask invented by James Dewar
Dewar (vaccum) flask invented by James Dewar
1892
Rudolf Diesel develops the engine named after him
Rudolf Diesel develops the engine named after him
1895
First electric hand drill invented by Fein
First electric hand drill invented by Fein
1895
Henry Saint-Rene creates an early type of television using bent glass rods
Henry Saint-Rene creates an early type of television using bent glass rods
1895
First hearing aid devised by Miller Reese Hutchison
First hearing aid devised by Miller Reese Hutchison
1897
Rudolf Diesel, a German engineer, builds a compression-ignition engine
Rudolf Diesel, a German engineer, builds a compression-ignition engine
1899
The inverted pendulum seismograph was invented by Emil Wiechert; it is still in use today
More about: seismograph
The inverted pendulum seismograph was invented by Emil Wiechert; it is still in use today
More about: seismograph
1899
Johan Vaaler invented the paperclip
Johan Vaaler invented the paperclip
1899
Waldmar Jungner invents the rechargeable nickel-cadmium battery
Waldmar Jungner invents the rechargeable nickel-cadmium battery
1901
Thomas Edison invents the alkaline storage battery
Thomas Edison invents the alkaline storage battery
1901
Invention of the safety razor by Gillette and the vacuum cleaner by Henry Booth
Invention of the safety razor by Gillette and the vacuum cleaner by Henry Booth
1902
Air conditioning unit invented by Willis Carrier, enabling its users to control air temperature and humidity
Air conditioning unit invented by Willis Carrier, enabling its users to control air temperature and humidity
1903
Charles Curtis and William Emmet develop the steam turbine generator and the steam turbine, respectively
Charles Curtis and William Emmet develop the steam turbine generator and the steam turbine, respectively
1903
It is a good year for inventors, with bottle-making machinery, crayons and windscreen wipers produced for the first time
It is a good year for inventors, with bottle-making machinery, crayons and windscreen wipers produced for the first time
1906
In a precursor to its full development, a sonar-type device is invented by Lewis Nixon
More about: sonar
In a precursor to its full development, a sonar-type device is invented by Lewis Nixon
More about: sonar
1906
Lee De Forest invents the triode
Lee De Forest invents the triode
1908
Elmer Sperry invents the gyrocompass
Elmer Sperry invents the gyrocompass
1909
Bakelite, the first totally synthetic plastic, is announced; it had been first created in 1907
More about: bakelite
Bakelite, the first totally synthetic plastic, is announced; it had been first created in 1907
More about: bakelite
1909
Invention of precipitation hardening technique to create lightweight, yet strong, aluminium alloys
Invention of precipitation hardening technique to create lightweight, yet strong, aluminium alloys
1910
Jacques Brandenberger invents cellophane
Jacques Brandenberger invents cellophane
1911
Electric starter motor for automobiles invented by Charles Kettering
Electric starter motor for automobiles invented by Charles Kettering
1911
Charles Wilson invents a cloud chamber, used to detect particles of ionising radiation
Charles Wilson invents a cloud chamber, used to detect particles of ionising radiation
1912
Russian scientist Ostromislensky develops PVC but is unable to develop it commercially - it takes almost two decades more before real PVC is introduced
More about: PVC
Russian scientist Ostromislensky develops PVC but is unable to develop it commercially - it takes almost two decades more before real PVC is introduced
More about: PVC
1912
Ostromislensky patents use of plasticisers
Ostromislensky patents use of plasticisers
1912
Invention of crystal diode by Pickard
Invention of crystal diode by Pickard
1912
Invention of stainless steel by Harry Brearley
Invention of stainless steel by Harry Brearley
1913
Synthesis and patenting of polyvinyl acetate by Fritz Klatte
Synthesis and patenting of polyvinyl acetate by Fritz Klatte
1913
From the sublime to the ridiculous - new inventions this year include the bra, zip, and crossword puzzles!
From the sublime to the ridiculous - new inventions this year include the bra, zip, and crossword puzzles!
1914
Garrett Morgan develops the gas mask named after him
Garrett Morgan develops the gas mask named after him
1915
Sonar developed by Frenchman Langevin
Sonar developed by Frenchman Langevin
1916
Radio tuners invented, allowing users to select different broadcasts
Radio tuners invented, allowing users to select different broadcasts
1919
Invention of superheterodyne receiver enables radio enthusiasts to receive a wide range of stations in much clearer quality
More about: radio wave receiver
Invention of superheterodyne receiver enables radio enthusiasts to receive a wide range of stations in much clearer quality
More about: radio wave receiver
1919
Mass production of electric washing machines and refrigerators
Mass production of electric washing machines and refrigerators
1919
Non-rusting stainless steel patented by Haynes
Non-rusting stainless steel patented by Haynes
1919
Post-war inventions include the arc welder, the pop-up toaster and short wave radio
Post-war inventions include the arc welder, the pop-up toaster and short wave radio
1920
Earle Dickson combined gauze, tape and crinolene to develop the Band-Aid plaster
Earle Dickson combined gauze, tape and crinolene to develop the Band-Aid plaster
1921
The first robot is developed and built
The first robot is developed and built
1923
Zworykin develops the iconoscope, the first television
Zworykin develops the iconoscope, the first television
1923
First electric refrigerator produced by Electrolux company
First electric refrigerator produced by Electrolux company
1923
In the same year that Electrolux develop their refrigerator, Clarence Birdseye invents frozen food
In the same year that Electrolux develop their refrigerator, Clarence Birdseye invents frozen food
1923
The self-winding watch is invented by Harwood
The self-winding watch is invented by Harwood
1924
Pyrex invented by scientists at Corning
Pyrex invented by scientists at Corning
1924
Rice and Kellogg develop the loudspeaker
Rice and Kellogg develop the loudspeaker
1925
Production of 18/8 austenitic grade steel, later used for jet engines
Production of 18/8 austenitic grade steel, later used for jet engines
1927
First aerosol can patented by Erik Rotheim
First aerosol can patented by Erik Rotheim
1928
Philo Farnsworth develops the first working television sets
Philo Farnsworth develops the first working television sets
1928
Alexander Fleming discovers penicillin
Alexander Fleming discovers penicillin
1928
Morrison and Horton develop quartz crystal oscillator clock
Morrison and Horton develop quartz crystal oscillator clock
1929
Frank Whittle invented jet propulsion
Frank Whittle invented jet propulsion
1930
Bernard Lyot invents the chronograph
Bernard Lyot invents the chronograph
1930
Richard Drew invents Scotch tape
Richard Drew invents Scotch tape
1932
Invention of the cyclotron particle accelerator by Stanley Livingstone and Ernest Lawrence
More about: cyclotron
Invention of the cyclotron particle accelerator by Stanley Livingstone and Ernest Lawrence
More about: cyclotron
1932
Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), variously known as perspex, plexiglass, diakon and lucite, invented
Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), variously known as perspex, plexiglass, diakon and lucite, invented
1933
Invention of frequency modulation (FM) by Edwin Howard Armstrong
Invention of frequency modulation (FM) by Edwin Howard Armstrong
1933
Poly(ethene) is manufactured by Fawcett and Gibson. Melamine also first produced
Poly(ethene) is manufactured by Fawcett and Gibson. Melamine also first produced
1934
Begun invents the magnetic tape recorder
Begun invents the magnetic tape recorder
1934
Coiled-coil electric light bulb invented; this increases the amount of radiated light
Coiled-coil electric light bulb invented; this increases the amount of radiated light
1934
Beckman invents the pH meter
Beckman invents the pH meter
1934
Electronic hearing aid developed
Electronic hearing aid developed
1934
A large step in improving transport safety is made as Percy Shaw invents cats eyes (reflectors to be embedded in the road)
A large step in improving transport safety is made as Percy Shaw invents cats eyes (reflectors to be embedded in the road)
1935
Melamine-formaldehyde resins developed by Henkel
Melamine-formaldehyde resins developed by Henkel
1937
Field-emission microscope invented by Muller
Field-emission microscope invented by Muller
1937
Invention of the jet engine by Frank Whittle
Invention of the jet engine by Frank Whittle
1937
Hand-held vacuum cleaner introduced
Hand-held vacuum cleaner introduced
1937
Spilhaus invented the bathythermograph
Spilhaus invented the bathythermograph
1938
Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE, teflon) invented
Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE, teflon) invented
1938
Frits Zernike invents the phase contrast microscope
Frits Zernike invents the phase contrast microscope
1939
First working helicopter constructed by Sikorsky
First working helicopter constructed by Sikorsky
1940
Peter Goldmark develops modern colour television
Peter Goldmark develops modern colour television
1940
Invention of polyurethane; typically used for furniture and packing foams
Invention of polyurethane; typically used for furniture and packing foams
1940
Invention of nickel-based superalloys
Invention of nickel-based superalloys
1941
Gloster E28/39 is the first aircraft to fly using Whittle's jet engine
Gloster E28/39 is the first aircraft to fly using Whittle's jet engine
1942
Actress Heddy Lamarr and composer George Antheil invent a communications technique based on frequency hopping spread spectrum physics
Actress Heddy Lamarr and composer George Antheil invent a communications technique based on frequency hopping spread spectrum physics
1942
The development of the sticky substance methyl cyanoacrylate gave the world superglue
The development of the sticky substance methyl cyanoacrylate gave the world superglue
1943
Development of silicone, a thermoset polycondensate, used in computer chips and cookingware
Development of silicone, a thermoset polycondensate, used in computer chips and cookingware
1943
Synthetic rubber developed
Synthetic rubber developed
1943
James Wright combined silicone oil with boric acid to invent Silly Putty
James Wright combined silicone oil with boric acid to invent Silly Putty
1943
Slinky toy invented by Richard James; this simple device demonstrates physics laws and properties, such as waveforms and motion
Slinky toy invented by Richard James; this simple device demonstrates physics laws and properties, such as waveforms and motion
1943
Jacques Cousteau invents the aqualung, an underwater breathing device
Jacques Cousteau invents the aqualung, an underwater breathing device
1944
Percy Julian develops synthetic cortisone
Percy Julian develops synthetic cortisone
1946
First paper disposable nappy invented by Marion Donovan
First paper disposable nappy invented by Marion Donovan
1947
Germanium transistor invented by John Bardeen, Walter Brattain, and William Shockley
More about: transistor
Germanium transistor invented by John Bardeen, Walter Brattain, and William Shockley
More about: transistor
1947
Barium titanate becomes the first piezoelectric ceramic to be used commercially in its application as a phonograph needle
More about: piezoelectricity
Barium titanate becomes the first piezoelectric ceramic to be used commercially in its application as a phonograph needle
More about: piezoelectricity
1947
AT&T develop the first mobile (cellular) phones; it takes another 36 years for them to be released commercially
AT&T develop the first mobile (cellular) phones; it takes another 36 years for them to be released commercially
1947
Another large materials development, as Earl Tupper develops Tupperware
Another large materials development, as Earl Tupper develops Tupperware
1948
Norbert Wiener introduces the concept of cybernetics
Norbert Wiener introduces the concept of cybernetics
1948
George de Mestral invents Velcro
George de Mestral invents Velcro
1951
Charles Ginsburg developed the first videotape recorder (VCR)
Charles Ginsburg developed the first videotape recorder (VCR)
1952
Charles Townes and Russian scientists Prokhorov and Basov independently invent the maser, the forerunner to the laser
More about: maser
Charles Townes and Russian scientists Prokhorov and Basov independently invent the maser, the forerunner to the laser
More about: maser
1952
Corning's Donald Stookey transforms glass into fine-grained ceramics, leading to the production of CorningWare five years later
Corning's Donald Stookey transforms glass into fine-grained ceramics, leading to the production of CorningWare five years later
1953
Microwave ovens first produced by the Raytheon Corporation
Microwave ovens first produced by the Raytheon Corporation
1953
Mass production of Dacron synthetic material for use in the textiles industry
Mass production of Dacron synthetic material for use in the textiles industry
1954
First solar battery invented by Fuller, Chapin and Pearson
First solar battery invented by Fuller, Chapin and Pearson
1954
Natta invents polypropylene
Natta invents polypropylene
1954
First female contraceptive pill is developed
First female contraceptive pill is developed
1954
Creation of synthetic zeolites, which gain widespread use in the cracking process in the petrochemical industry
Creation of synthetic zeolites, which gain widespread use in the cracking process in the petrochemical industry
1956
Development of Scotchgard fabric and material protector by Patsy Sherman
Development of Scotchgard fabric and material protector by Patsy Sherman
1956
Norman Bier invents plastic contact lenses
Norman Bier invents plastic contact lenses
1956
Invention of the substance later sold as Liquid paper to correct mistakes in typing
Invention of the substance later sold as Liquid paper to correct mistakes in typing
1958
Kilby and Noyce develop the integrated circuit, the cornerstone of the modern electronics industry
Kilby and Noyce develop the integrated circuit, the cornerstone of the modern electronics industry
1962
First fibre-tip pen developed
First fibre-tip pen developed
1963
Raymond Davis builds first Solar neutrino telescope
Raymond Davis builds first Solar neutrino telescope
1964
Introduction of polyimide products
Introduction of polyimide products
1964
Leslie Phillips develops carbon fibres
Leslie Phillips develops carbon fibres
1965
Invention of synthetic alternative to grass - Astroturf. It was introduced into American sports stadia and patented in 1967
Invention of synthetic alternative to grass - Astroturf. It was introduced into American sports stadia and patented in 1967
1967
Texas Instruments devise and market the first hand held calculator
Texas Instruments devise and market the first hand held calculator
1967
First video game invented by Ralph Baer
First video game invented by Ralph Baer
1971
Invention of Kevlar, a fibre five times stronger than steel
Invention of Kevlar, a fibre five times stronger than steel
1974
Arthur Fry invents the Post-it note
Arthur Fry invents the Post-it note
1974
Barcodes, scanned using lasers, are placed on shopping products for the first time
Barcodes, scanned using lasers, are placed on shopping products for the first time
1976
IBM develop ink-jet printing technology
IBM develop ink-jet printing technology
1977
Hideki Shirakawa, Alan MacDiarmid, and Alan Heeger discover organic polymers which conduct electricity, leading to the production of LEDs and Solar cells
Hideki Shirakawa, Alan MacDiarmid, and Alan Heeger discover organic polymers which conduct electricity, leading to the production of LEDs and Solar cells
1977
VHS format video recorder (VCR) developed
VHS format video recorder (VCR) developed
1980
Sony and Phillips invent the compact disc (CD)
Sony and Phillips invent the compact disc (CD)
1981
Rohrer and Binnig invent the scanning tunnelling microscope
More about: scanning tunnelling microscopy
Rohrer and Binnig invent the scanning tunnelling microscope
More about: scanning tunnelling microscopy
1984
DNA fingerprinting invented by Alec Jeffreys
DNA fingerprinting invented by Alec Jeffreys
1985
The atomic force microscope, able to identify individual atoms, is invented by Binning
More about: atomic force microscope
The atomic force microscope, able to identify individual atoms, is invented by Binning
More about: atomic force microscope
1986
Materials scientists develop synthetic skin
Materials scientists develop synthetic skin
1988
Doppler radar invented
Doppler radar invented
1989
Tim Berners-Lee invents the World Wide Web
Tim Berners-Lee invents the World Wide Web
1996
First Digital Versatile Disc (DVD) players launched in Japan
First Digital Versatile Disc (DVD) players launched in Japan
1998
Invention of Viagra
Invention of Viagra
1999
Invention of Tekno Bubbles, liquid bubbles which glow in the dark
Invention of Tekno Bubbles, liquid bubbles which glow in the dark
2000
A trio of blind patients receive the world's first bionic eyes, comprising 3,500 microscopic solar cells which act to convert light into electrical impulses
A trio of blind patients receive the world's first bionic eyes, comprising 3,500 microscopic solar cells which act to convert light into electrical impulses
