Inventor Contribution

Steam Engine

1698

Thomas Newcomen invented the first steam engine that performed mechanical work using steam as its working fluid.

Seed Drill

1701

Jethro Tull created the seed drill, a machine used to sow crops at the correct depth and spacing so they would grow better.

The Flying Shuttle

1733

John Kay invented the flying shuttle which represented an important step toward automatic weaving.

Leaden Condensing Chambers

1746

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.

The Spinning Jenny

1765

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.

Sodium Bicarbonate

1790

In 1790 Nicholas LeBlanc developed a process for making sodium bicarbonate from table salt.

The Cotton Gin

1793

Eli Whitney created the cotton gin, a machine that separated seeds from the fibers much more quickly and efficiently than doing it by hand.

Electric Battery

1800

Alessandro Volta created the first electric pile, now known as the electric battery.

Steam Locomotive

1814

In 1814 George Stephenson created the first steam locomotive, helping Britain develop and build their railways.

Sewing Machine

1832

Elias Howe, who was a skilled machinist, invented the first practical sewing machine in 1835.

Communism

1848

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.

Celluloid

1869

John Wesley created celluloid, the first artificial plastic made by mixing nitrocellulose, camphor, and alcohol then pressing the mixture in a heating mold.