Inventors have played a critical role in the world throughout history.
Live Science defines inventions as the process of discovering or presenting an element of novelty that will be of use to someone. For centuries, famous inventors have devoted their lives to an idea that forever changes the world. Although the inventions of the 19th century feature technology that pales in comparisons to the gadgets of today, a wide variety of them have proved invaluable over time and helped pave the way for more modern creations.
Dishwasher
Originally patented by Joel Houghton in 1850, the first dishwater functioned as a hand-operated wheel. As it proved largely ineffective, according to Enchanted Learning, it was soon replaced by an automatic dish-washing machine invented by Josephine Garis in 1889.
Bunsen Burner
Created by chemist Robert Wilhelm Bunsen in 1855 for chemical-based science experiments, the Bunsen burner featured a nonluminous flame that provides a safe, steady source of heat.
Toilet Paper
Before the invention of toilet paper, the most commonly used objects for the same purpose involved leaves or mail-order catalogues, when they became common. This inspired Joseph Gayetty to come up with the idea for toilet paper in 1857, which he sold in flat, premoistened sheets. The modern style of toilet paper, which involves the use of small rolls, was introduced a decade later.
Typewriter
The original design for the typewriter was born in 1867 from the mind of American editor Christopher Sholes. The user simply hit the button which represented the letter he wanted to type, resulting in the machine creating a carbon impression on the inserted paper.
Telephone
Invented in 1876 by Alexander Graham Bell, with the assistance of Thomas Watson, the telephone transmitted sounds via electric wire, allowing users to communicate across far distances. While many inventors worked on a similar device at the time, it was Bell's model that resulted in the transmission of the first completed sentence.
Fountain Pen
Developed by Lewis Waterman in 1884, the fountain pen changed writing forever. Up until that point in history, pens were dipped in ink frequently when writing. The fountain pen allowed users to write for pages at a time before it needed refilling.
Escalator
Although it was known as the moving stairway until 1900, the escalator was invented in 1891 by Jesse Reno. This device carried passengers by attaching a conveyor belt to wedge-shaped supports and inclining it around 25 degrees.
Vacuum Cleaner
The first motorized vacuum cleaner was created by John Thurman in 1899. The vacuum was originally powered by gasoline.
