-
Seed Drill
Jethro Tull invented the seed drill in 1701. The seed drill was a mechanical device that distributed seeds evenly in a furrowed area. Before the seed drill was invented, seeds had to be planted by hand, a long process which resulted in imperfect spacing of seeds. This imperfect spacing of seeds resulted in a lower crop yeild. The seed drill increased crop yeild, meaning more food and raw materials were produced. -
Newcomen Steam Engine
Although the Newcomen steam engine was only popular for about 70 years, it was a major development in automation capabilities. It was originally designed for the purpose of pumping water out of coal mines, which increased coal production. The Newcomen steam engine also inspired the later used Watt steam engine. -
Lead Chamber Production of Sulfuric Acid
The lead chamber process for producing sulfuric acid was invented in 1746 by John Roebuck. It began the mass production of sulfuric acid, lowering the cost of the final product. Because the product was cheaper, it was adopted by the textile industry for use in bleaching their fabrics. Sulfuric acid is also used in many modern industries, and it is sometimes still produced with the lead chamber method. -
Spinning Jenny
The spinning jenny was invented by James Hargreaves in 1964 in the village of Stanhill, Lancashire. This device ws very important to the textile industry of the Industrial Revolution. It sped up the production of the thread needed to weave cloth. After the invention of the flying shuttle 30 years earlier, the textile industry needed a way to speed the production of thread to be able to keep up with the demands of weavers. The spinning jenny was the solution to this problem. -
Watt Steam Engine
The Watt steam engine was one of the main forces that drove the Industrial Revolution. Without the efficient power of the steam engine, manufacturers were either dependant on water power or the inefficient power provided by the previously used Newcomen steam engine. The Watt steam engine revolutionized artificial power and greatly increased its use. It was finalized in 1776 by James Watt. -
Cotton Gin
After the invention of multiple devices that sped up the production of thread and cloth, American farmers experienced a growing market for their cotton. In 1793, American inventor Eli Whitney created the first cotton gin. It automated and sped up the process of taking the seeds out of cotton. Historically this had been done by hand, meaning that it took a long time. The cotton gin allowed an increase in production and export of cotton. This cotton fueled the growing textile industry. -
Portland Cement
Joseph Aspdin was a British bricklayer who is considered to be the inventor of Portland cement. Portland cement was a major develpment of the Industrial Revolution. It is the most common form of cement still today. It was a necessary building block for the megalithic buildings and structures that were built later. It is also the basic component for many bridges, roads, buildings, etc. Without Portland cement, many famous buildings of today would never have been built. -
The Rocket
In 1829, at the Rainhill Trials, George Stephenson's Rocket locomotive blew past the competition due to a new design. The Rocket was the first step in the improvement of locomotive design and function. In the short term, the Rocket improved the ability of manufacturers, miners, farmers, etc. to ship their products. Because transportation of goods was easier, the Industrial Revolution thrived. Also, improvement of the locomotive led to development of the modern locomotive. -
Bessemer Steel Making
Henry Bessemer was an inventor who discovered a way to produce steel directly from pig iron, without having to go through the wrought iron stage. This led to cheaper manufacturing of steel. Also, steel became more readily available. After this process was developed, steel began to be used in building. Steel was a major factor that led to the development of skyscrapers. -
Telephone
Alexander Graham Bell was granted the first patent for a telephone in 1876. His invention of the telephone paved the way to the global communication that we have today. His invention also inspired a future global community that had never before existed. Modern cell phones and home phones would not exist if Bell had not invented the first telephone.
