9. The institutionalization of invention (throughout the 1900's)

Before the 1900's, invention was usually the result of the isolated, individual genius, with only a few isolated exceptions (such as Thomas Edison's laboratory complex). The 1900's, however, saw the establishment of "houses of invention," that is, institutions. These institutions were usually associated with industry, but they were sometimes funded by universities or central governments. Their primary function was to use teams of well-educated specialists to systematically improve products or devise new ones. Many of the century's greatest technological innovations emerged or were significantly improved as a result of industrial research laboratories. These innovations covered a wide range, including more efficient light bulbs and aerodynamic aircraft and automobiles, plastic wrap, nylon, the transistor, the laser, television, and digital cellular phones.

 

Terry S. Reynolds is a Professor of History at Michigan Technological University. His Top 10 list focuses on the most significant developments in technology. "No other invention had so wide an influence during the 1900's," says Professor Reynolds of his top pick--the automobile.

1.

The impact of the automobile (throughout the 1900's)

2. The development of the airplane (throughout the 1900's)
3. The spread of mass production methods (throughout the 1900's)
4.

The rise of radio and television (mid-1900's)

5. The development of the transistor and related improvements (middle to late 1900's)
6. The development of the computer and the Internet (middle to late 1900's)
7. The development of atomic weapons and nuclear power (mid-1900's)
8. The development of new materials (throughout the 1900's)
9. The institutionalization of invention (throughout the 1900's)
10. The marriage of technology and science (throughout the 1900's)