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Thomas Newcomen invented the first steam engine that performed mechanical work using steam as its working fluid. -
Jethro Tull created the seed drill, a machine used to sow crops at the correct depth and spacing so they would grow better. -
John Kay invented the flying shuttle which represented an important step toward automatic weaving. -
John Roebuck invented leaden condensing chambers, which helped make sulfuric acid. This replaced the use of glass globes and reduced the cost of production by a drastic amount. -
James Hargreaves invented the spinning jenny, a multi spindle spinning frame for spindling wool or cotton. It was hand powered and James patented it in 1770. -
In 1790 Nicholas LeBlanc developed a process for making sodium bicarbonate from table salt. -
Eli Whitney created the cotton gin, a machine that separated seeds from the fibers much more quickly and efficiently than doing it by hand. -
Alessandro Volta created the first electric pile, now known as the electric battery. -
In 1814 George Stephenson created the first steam locomotive, helping Britain develop and build their railways. -
Elias Howe, who was a skilled machinist, invented the first practical sewing machine in 1835. -
Karl Marx proposed the idea of communism, the idea that all property is publicly owned and each person works and is paid according to their abilities and needs. He did this through his book called Communist Manifesto. -
John Wesley created celluloid, the first artificial plastic made by mixing nitrocellulose, camphor, and alcohol then pressing the mixture in a heating mold.