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.
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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. |