100 Great Inventions in the History of Science

Author: Yitian Graphic Studio
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-12-01
Features: The erosion of time has worn down the annals of history, leaving behind traces that are either clear or blurred. When we accidentally touch those uneven imprints, we suddenly realize that history is like a piece of gold. The passage of time has covered it with dust, but a gentle sweep away of the dust still reveals its brilliant luster. Many of yesterday's inventions and innovations may seem insignificant and outdated today, yet the modern world owes its existence entirely to the remarkable creations of past geniuses. Over a century ago, when the first airplane in the world was invented, it stayed airborne for only 59 seconds and flew 260 meters; when traffic lights first appeared on the square of London's Houses of Parliament, people still regarded them as terrifying explosives; when the first hand-cranked computer performed addition and subtraction operations in seconds, who could have imagined the advent of microcomputers capable of completing hundreds of billions of operations per second? A great invention can change an era, and an enduring creation can alter people's destinies. However, no invention or creation is achieved overnight. Some inventions have even taken generations to perfect. Today, as we greet future challenges with a serene smile, as the gentle breeze brushes past our faces, as homing birds circle softly overhead, as prosperity adorns the cities, and as people enjoy comfortable lives and take pride in our history and civilization, we should also remember those who made significant contributions to all of this. It is because of them that we come to understand the value and meaning of invention itself—the deeply moving spirit of science.