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process of producing new devices, objects, ideas, or procedures
usable in accomplishing human objectives in ways that were formerly
difficult or impossible. The process of invention is invariably
preceded by one or more discoveries; a discovery may be accidental,
such as a child’s discovery that fire burns, or induced,
such as the discovery that helium is the lightest of the inert gases
and, therefore, best suited for use in inflating airships. In common
usage the term invention is applied only to the
production of new materials or operable devices, and the term inventor is
applied to a person who has produced a new device or material. Less
often, the term invention is applied to a new procedure;
thus a person may be said to have invented a new game or a new system
of accounting. Under strict definition, anything produced by humans
that is new and unique is an invention; this definition was recognized
by In most countries, certain classes of inventions are legally
recognized, and their use temporarily restricted to the control
of the inventor. In the U.S., any new and useful art, machine, manufacture,
or material, or any new and useful improvement of these, may be
protected by Adaptability. Restricted to Homo sapiens (see Early Inventions. The earliest artifacts show evidence of human inventiveness.
The names of the great archaeological ages, the Stone Age, the Bronze
Age, and the Iron Age, are derived from the inventive use of stone
and metal implements (see The period of recorded history began with the invention of writing, and writing as a means of mass communication became important with the invention of movable type in the 15th century. Invention proceeded steadily throughout the period of written history, but since the advent of printed books people all over the world have been able to obtain records of the discoveries of the past for use as a basis for further discoveries and inventions. The Machine Age. The machine age, which more or less began with the Industrial Revolution and is continuing, developed from a complex of inventions, of which the most important include the use of fossil fuels such as coal as sources of energy, the improvement of metallurgical processes (especially of steel and aluminum), the development of electricity and electronics, the invention of the internal-combustion engine, and the use of metal and cement in construction work. Current developments in the use of energy promise to introduce a new age in human inventiveness. Early inventors were usually isolated individuals dependent
on other means of subsistence than the risky outcome of their endeavors.
In some cases, although two individuals working independently achieved
the same innovation simultaneously, only one was recognized for
the discovery. For example, the American inventors Most modern inventions and discoveries take place in large research organizations supported by institutions of higher learning, governmental agencies, private industries, or privately endowed foundations. Because of this, ascribing any single invention to a specific person has become difficult. Researchers in modern laboratories are often members of a project; the planning is often the work of more than one person, and the actual development—including solution of the many practical problems almost always encountered in research and the addition of various refinements—is invariably the work of many individuals. The atomic bomb, for example, was developed during World War II under the guidance of a small group of leading scientists of many nationalities who directed a much larger group of scientists and technicians, most of whom were unaware of the purpose of the project. Other examples of collective effort were the development of the electronic digital computer, and the development of the integrated circuit, which led to exponential advances in information and communications systems.
See also
For further information on this topic, see the Bibliography, sections
An article from Funk & Wagnalls® New Encyclopedia. © 2006 World Almanac Education Group. A WRC Media Company. All rights reserved. Except as otherwise permitted by
written agreement, uses of the work inconsistent with U.S. and applicable foreign copyright and related laws are prohibited.
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Friday, November 27 at 11 PM EST
Saturday, November 28 at 3 AM EST
Wednesday, November 25 at 1 PM EST
Wednesday, November 25 at 7 PM EST
Thursday, November 26 at 12 PM EST
Modern Marvels: Coffee. Friday, November 27 at 11 PM EST
Coffee.. Traces the origins of this tasty drink from Ethiopia over 1,000 years ago to the espresso-fueled explosion of specialty coffee stores like Starbucks today. Along the way, we'll see how American companies like Hills Brothers, Maxwell House,
Modern Marvels: Coffee. Saturday, November 28 at 3 AM EST
Coffee.. Traces the origins of this tasty drink from Ethiopia over 1,000 years ago to the espresso-fueled explosion of specialty coffee stores like Starbucks today. Along the way, we'll see how American companies like Hills Brothers, Maxwell House,
Modern Marvels: Coin Operated Wednesday, November 25 at 1 PM EST
Coin Operated. Every 15 minutes, Americans insert over 3.5 million coins into vending machines. We'll visit a sprawling factory that mass produces the latest in high-tech vending machines, and a small company that makes a giant gumball machine that
Modern Marvels: Coin Operated Wednesday, November 25 at 7 PM EST
Coin Operated. Every 15 minutes, Americans insert over 3.5 million coins into vending machines. We'll visit a sprawling factory that mass produces the latest in high-tech vending machines, and a small company that makes a giant gumball machine that
American Eats: Holiday Foods. Thursday, November 26 at 12 PM EST
Holiday Foods.. A bird roasted to perfection, a steaming plates of succulent sides, a kaleidoscope of colorful holiday sweets...nothing quite announces the holiday season like food. Join us as we take a festive look at America's most delicious
ENCYCLOPEDIA:
INVENTION,
Less often, the term invention is applied to a new procedure; thus a person may be said to have invented a new game or a new system of accounting. Under strict definition, anything produced by humans that is new and unique is an invention; this definition . . . ENCYCLOPEDIA: EDISON, Thomas Alva
Who Invented The Computer?
Video
4:04 min
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Unuseless' Inventions Celebrate Failure
Video
1:43 min
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Modern Marvels: Inventions of War - Radar
Video
3:11 min
-
Modern Marvels: Inventions of War - Aerosol
Video
2:50 min
-
Modern Marvels: Failed Inventions - Future Visions
Video
2:21 min
-
Who Invented The Computer?
4:04 min
The first digital computer was invented in 1642 by Blaise Pascal. It consisted of numbers entered in dials but, it could only add. Modern Marvels takes on the invention of computers.
The first digital computer was invented in 1642 by Blaise Pascal. It consisted of numbers entered in dials but, it could only add. Modern Marvels takes on the invention of computers.
Unuseless' Inventions Celebrate Failure
1:43 min
What invention could be more useless than the Hay Fever Hat? The automated chopsticks? This clip from Modern Marvels looks at some of history's worst inventions.
What invention could be more useless than the Hay Fever Hat? The automated chopsticks? This clip from Modern Marvels looks at some of history's worst inventions.
Modern Marvels: Inventions of War - Radar
3:11 min
In this video clip from Modern Marvels we learn about how Great Britain invented the use of radar for fear of an aerial war. During World War II radar was widely used to detect enemy planes. Radar also led to the invention of the microwave.
In this video clip from Modern Marvels we learn about how Great Britain invented the use of radar for fear of an aerial war. During World War II radar was widely used to detect enemy planes. Radar also led to the invention of the microwave.
Modern Marvels: Inventions of War - Aerosol
2:50 min
In this video clip from Modern Marvels we learn about how the aerosol can was invented. It was first invented for use by the military. They wanted a way to kill bugs and prevent malaria. Later, all sorts of products were put in aerosol cans.
In this video clip from Modern Marvels we learn about how the aerosol can was invented. It was first invented for use by the military. They wanted a way to kill bugs and prevent malaria. Later, all sorts of products were put in aerosol cans.
Modern Marvels: Failed Inventions - Future Visions
2:21 min
In this video from Modern Marvels, we learn about some future visions of the world. It is said that in the future we live in clean, happy cities, and that we will have a lot of free time. Although, in reality new inventions take time away from us.
In this video from Modern Marvels, we learn about some future visions of the world. It is said that in the future we live in clean, happy cities, and that we will have a lot of free time. Although, in reality new inventions take time away from us.
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