How the world has changed… 200 years ago people went months without speaking to their families and today we send messages from one room to another. And science has advanced in giant steps so that today we can have everything we have. But although we believe that we live in a super modern world, the truth is that many of the things we use were invented many years ago. To give you an idea, lhalf of what you use in your home was invented during the 19th century. So stop being modern, and join us as we review some of the 19th century inventions that we still use today.
Matches were discovered playing with fire
In what house is there not a matchbox? We use them for many things: both for lighting barbecues in the summer and for candles when we get romantic. Well, the matches we use today were the work of John Walker, a man who in 1827 was in his laboratory calmly making explosives. While mixing some products with a stick, he saw that a drop had dried on the tip. He tried to remove it by rubbing it on the floor, and it turned out to catch fire.
That is until today: of course, now their manufacturing has been perfected so that they are a little less dangerous. But the idea is the same, and its use is still part of everyday life.
Call the elevator!
inventions
You, who are so athletic and so healthy, are sure to climb the stairs. But for those of us who are a little lazier, the elevator is our best friend. The first elevator that served as the model for the ones we use today was invented in 1851 by Elisha Otis. It didn’t take long for them to start installing themselves in many commercial buildings and homes.
Today, even the oldest homes have or are planning to install an elevator. This invention was so important that even Most elevators today are made by the same brand which its inventor founded: Otis.
Phone
What can we say about the best invention of the 19th century? If it weren’t for him, we wouldn’t be here making your life simple! Although Alexander Graham Bell was the one who patented it, the one who really invented the telephone was Antonio Meucci. Since his wife couldn’t get out of bed, Meucci invented a primitive telephone that connected the bedroom with his office, so they could communicate. Come on, it doesn’t sound that different from when we talk on Whatsapp from one room to another, right? 😉
The fact is that poor Meucci did not have the money to patent his invention. So a few years later, in 1876, Alexander Graham Bell took charge of sign the patent (with some improvements) which would become the phone we know today. What would these two say if they saw what a mobile phone could do in 2015?
The latest in inventions in science week
If the topic of inventions and discoveries is your thing, you’re in luck: Madrid and Barcelona celebrate their science weeks during November. You have workshops, exhibitions and seminars for all ages on the latest in the scientific world. Go ahead and come participate in the activities. In Madrid it takes place from November 2 to 15 and in Barcelona from 13 to 22. Come and learn! Who knows? Maybe the next revolutionary invention will come to you… 😉
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