What would life be like without cars, refrigerators, the Internet, or the omnipresent smartphone? Take an extraordinary journey through the discoveries that have transformed our world forever. They include innovations in technology, such as alternating current, plastic, and the robot; communications (cameras, radio, cinema); medicine, from aspirin to the pacemaker; and transportation. See what led to their creation and meet the exceptional figures who conceived them.

A captivating, humorous, and downright perplexing selection of nineteenth-century inventions as revealed through remarkable–and hitherto unseen–illustrations from the British National Archive Inventions that Didn’t Change the World is a fascinating visual tour through some of the most bizarre inventions registered with the British authorities in the nineteenth century. In an era when Britain was the workshop of the world, design protection (nowadays patenting) was all the rage, and the apparently lenient approval process meant that all manner of bizarre curiosities were painstakingly recorded, in beautiful color illustrations and well-penned explanatory text, alongside the genuinely great inventions of the period. Irreverent commentary contextualizes each submission as well as taking a humorous view on how each has stood the test of time. This book introduces such gems as a ventilating top hat; an artificial leech; a design for an aerial machine adapted for the arctic regions; an anti-explosive alarm whistle; a tennis racket with ball-picker; and a currant-cleaning machine. Here is everything the end user could possibly require for a problem he never knew he had. Organized by area of application—industry, clothing, transportation, medical, health and safety, the home, and leisure—Inventions that Didn’t Change the World reveals the concerns of a bygone era giddy with the possibilities of a newly industrialized world.

In 'Discoveries and Inventions of the Nineteenth Century' by Robert Routledge, readers are taken on a comprehensive journey through the scientific and technological advancements of the 1800s. Routledge skillfully blends historical facts with engaging narratives, making this book both informative and enjoyable to read. Each chapter delves into a different discovery or invention, providing a thorough analysis of its impact on society and the progress of human knowledge. This book is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the history of science and technology, as it offers a detailed account of the major breakthroughs that shaped the modern world. Robert Routledge, a seasoned writer and historian, is known for his expertise in documenting the progress of civilization. His passion for uncovering the stories behind scientific innovations is evident in this meticulously researched work. Routledge's meticulous attention to detail and his engaging writing style make 'Discoveries and Inventions of the Nineteenth Century' a captivating read for both scholars and laymen alike. I highly recommend 'Discoveries and Inventions of the Nineteenth Century' to all readers who wish to deepen their understanding of the scientific and technological milestones that defined the 19th century. Routledge's thorough exploration of these discoveries offers a unique perspective on the transformative power of human ingenuity.

From the bestselling author of The Trillion Dollar Meltdown and The Tycoons comes the fascinating, panoramic story of the rise of American industry between the War of 1812 and the Civil War