Naked Science Forum

Non Life Sciences => Technology => Topic started by: Geezer on 01/07/2010 06:22:37

Title: What was the greatest invention so far?
Post by: Geezer on 01/07/2010 06:22:37
Solder gets my vote.

What's your favourite?
Title: What was the greatest invention so far?
Post by: LeeE on 01/07/2010 09:22:32
The wheel.

Making the link between linear and rotational movements was an astonishing leap of reasoning.

Although a number of animals have learned to use tools, possibly including the lever, I don't think any of them have yet discovered the wheel.  This isn't to say that animals aren't aware of 'rolling', but they haven't translated it into a tool.
Title: What was the greatest invention so far?
Post by: imatfaal on 01/07/2010 11:00:30
I think I would second the wheel - as an alternative what about controlled fire.   Whilst many processes in nature rely on periodic accidental fires - I think humans are the only ones to create and control fire.

Title: What was the greatest invention so far?
Post by: peppercorn on 01/07/2010 11:28:22
I think I would second the wheel

I'm glad you did 2nd the wheel - Now we're well on our way to the bicycle!  [:D]

If it counts as an invention I would put the 'Scientific Method (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scientific_method)' up there, too!
Title: What was the greatest invention so far?
Post by: Murchie85 on 19/07/2010 21:55:44
The spoon fork combo "spork" for eating hot curries and sludgy like food with bits you need to stab as well as scoop up :D
Title: What was the greatest invention so far?
Post by: peppercorn on 20/07/2010 01:28:06
Ha! Now I've heard of the 'spork' it's making the wheel look like a piece of cr*p!  [:D]
Title: What was the greatest invention so far?
Post by: daveman on 29/07/2010 22:32:34
I'd have to go with the transistor. Without it, we wouldn't be talkling about this here.
But then without electricity we wouldn't be using the transitor.


Title: What was the greatest invention so far?
Post by: Geezer on 29/07/2010 22:47:49
I'd have to go with the transistor. Without it, we wouldn't be talkling about this here.
But then without electricity we wouldn't be using the transitor.




We could get around that by saying that electricity isn't really an invention. It's more of a discovery, whereas the transistor really was an invention.

I still like solder, because it's difficult to imagine how any electronic equipment could be constructed without it.
Title: What was the greatest invention so far?
Post by: JnA on 30/07/2010 13:22:11
I think, without a doubt, the most effective invention for communication ever is the sms.

it's sheer brilliance and appeals to my sense of non-socialisation.
Title: What was the greatest invention so far?
Post by: doppler1 on 03/08/2010 14:13:35
I'm with peppercorn on this....the spork must be gaining momentum in the race now.....Who needs wheels or anti biotics if you have a spork :)
Title: What was the greatest invention so far?
Post by: neilep on 03/08/2010 15:24:19
For me it simply has got to be iced gems !

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They are like...well nice and I don't think we could get by without them !

Title: What was the greatest invention so far?
Post by: Bored chemist on 03/08/2010 18:46:04
The wheel.

Making the link between linear and rotational movements was an astonishing leap of reasoning.

Although a number of animals have learned to use tools, possibly including the lever, I don't think any of them have yet discovered the wheel.  This isn't to say that animals aren't aware of 'rolling', but they haven't translated it into a tool.
At least one variety of animal has learned to use the wheel.

BTW, Daveman, without the wheel we wouldn't have electricity.
Title: What was the greatest invention so far?
Post by: imatfaal on 04/08/2010 16:37:58
the spork is dangerous http://xkcd.com/419/
Title: What was the greatest invention so far?
Post by: Murchie85 on 07/08/2010 16:29:12
Steam power (steam engine), helped Britain become the worlds first industrialized nation and paved the way for a new world.
Title: What was the greatest invention so far?
Post by: tommya300 on 08/08/2010 07:57:21
Birth control pill development to reduce or slow down population growth  and came with it a large unintended side affect called promiscuity.
Title: What was the greatest invention so far?
Post by: noory on 16/08/2010 07:23:39
Information Technology, while conjuring up ideas of Blackberries and microchips is a broad category that has been advancing at an exponential rate. I will focus on two inventions that have made a lasting impact.
Title: What was the greatest invention so far?
Post by: CreativeEnergy on 16/08/2010 13:18:45
Being an amateur astronomer, one who is intimately acquainted with the history of astronomy, I would have to say the telescope--at least for the discipline of astronomy. If I had to speak to the world as a whole, I would have to say antibiotics and vaccines; I know that's two. LOL [;)]
Title: What was the greatest invention so far?
Post by: Green on 21/08/2010 23:38:32
Engineering wise I'd say the engine, without it transport would cease to exist, it's pretty intresting to see the progression to date of an idea that was so simple, to what we have today, a belwidering array of exotic materials and technologies such as piezo control all in a box :D
Title: What was the greatest invention so far?
Post by: Lor on 30/08/2010 22:32:08
indoor plumbing [xx(]
Title: What was the greatest invention so far?
Post by: Democritus on 02/09/2010 17:13:01
I'll offer three. (Mind, indoor plumbing from jazderry has my vote..)
The espresso coffee machine, the cerebral cortex and shoes.
 [:)]