History's most underrated inventions.

[Goblyn]

I always thought shoes were a really good idea.

 

[diaglo]

Bread.

Liquid Bread... aka... Beer


and hardened Bread... aka ... pretzels.


beer & pretzels = Good RPGs.


had some this weekend in part due to JoeBlank

 

[glass]

Yup, and glass. Glass is awesome*

Why, thank you!


glass.

 

[John Q. Mayhem]

Wasn't the chariot an incredibly ineffective military unit? They had horrible manueverability. A single foot soldier could easily dodge a charging chariot.

I'm no expert but I imagine basic cavalry, even before stirrups, must have been far more effective--more maneuverability, speed, and efficiency.

Perhaps it was signifiant in very early history (say, right around when 'civiliization' began around 4000 BC), before organized cavalry, or infantry for that matter. I can't imagine it was important when professional armies began to appear.

I'm no expert, either

I was thinking that the chariot made a fast platform for one person to drive while another fires arrows or spears at infantry. Hmmm...perhaps a holdover from Civilization.

 

[megamania]

Everybody knows about the major inventions throughout history like the wheel, gunpowder, the steam engine, electrical power, etc. But this very interesting article focuses on inventions that, even though we may not think of them as especially major discoveries, actually had far-reaching effects that helped shape history. Check it out:

http://encarta.msn.com/column_UnderRatedMain/History's_Most_Underrated_Inventions.html

Does anyone remember the Learning Channel's "Connections"? It was all about a minor thing leading a major through simple connecting elements. I don't remember specifics but I enjoyed the show while it lasted.

 

[megamania]

Post-a-notes?

 

[Dark Jezter]

Red Swingline staplers?

 

[DreadPirateMurphy]

I think the key would be listing an invention that nobody thinks about. Television, flight, roads, pottery, plumbing, etc., are all fairly commonly listed as important advances.

What about traffic lights? Think about driving anywhere without them.

Think of the humble typewriter, and how it set the standard for modern information technology UI.

How many inventions are dependent on ball bearings?

 

[Rel]

How many inventions are dependent on ball bearings?

"It's all ball bearings these days."

 

[Angel Tarragon]

The cellphone.