Once again, I apologize if this topic has been done before but I don't really want to go through the back pages to see if it has. If it has, just delete this or something. I was wondering what other people felt to be the greatest or most influential inventions and developments of mankind's history. We can go ahead and bar things like the wheel, fire, and the written word because they are no-brainers. I would nominate penicillian as the greatest invention as the number of lives it has saved is astronomical. Not only did it save lives in itself, it also jump started modern day medicines and pharmaceuticals. The most influential invention of all time could easily be the gun. It has won and lost wars, conquered territory, provided food, provided protection, provided controversy and has obsessed man's mind since its appearance.
Harnessing electricty for practical use has probably had the most impact on the world of any single invention (Edison, Tesla) First fully controllable and practical airplane (Wright Bros) The transistor. Began the solid state semi conductor revolution that led to computers and electronics of today.(Shockley, Bardeen, Brattain) The creation of the internet.
So, in summary... Engines to power things rather than horses, electricity / electronics, and hygene-related stuff...
I don't class the pill as hygene, it comes under entertainment. As for the toilet an old friend of mine used to pick his flat to rent based on the fact that as long as the toilet flushed it was ok. He moved in one place in mid winter with no electricity or gas. But the toilet flushed. FNG
That one should probably have gone with fire and the wheel. This is also an amazing invention. I don't think many of us in today's world could live without electricity, I know I couldn't anyways. No forum to discuss WWII and everything else. :cry: I agree completely with FNG on the contraceptive pill. Off topic I heard a comedian say how we should plant birth pills in all the food delieverd to India and China so to control the birth rate. Funny stuff. In all actuallity, isn't the toliet which really matters?
The toilet needs to flush. A toilet is fine but if it doesn't flush it's just a bottom shaped bucket that needs to be empted with your hands into another bucket to removed. FNG
My favorite inventions: Vice Grips, Cresent Wrench, and guns There is also refrigeration, indoor plumbing, pickup trucks, and magnetic screwdrivers.