Historical Antecedents of Science and Technology

These flashcards cover key concepts of the historical development of science and technology as presented in the lecture notes.

ancient period 

3,500 BC-100 BC : finding better ways in science and technology - communication, transpo, self-organization, and living in general

What invention did the Sumerians create shortly after 3500 BC?

The potter’s wheel.

potter’s wheel

a heavy flat disk made of hardened clay which was spun horizontally on axis 

What is papyrus made from?

The pith of the papyrus plant Cyperus papyrus.

papyrus

a material similar to thick paper - lightweight, strong, durable, and portable

where was writing done before egyptians invented the papyrus?

stone

What is a shadoof used for?

a hand-operated device to lift water which is an early tool invented/used by ancient egyptians and introduced the idea of lifting things using counter weights

What was the purpose of the Antikythera Mechanism?

To predict astronomical positions and eclipses.

Antikythera Mechanism

similar to mantle clock - circular face & rotating hands (forward/backward)

Antikythera Mechanism

invented by the Greeks that was discovered and retrieve from the water of Antikythera, Greece

What type of device is the aeolipile?

“hero’s engine” - steam-powered turbine, considered the first rudimentary steam engine.

Middle Ages

5th century AD - 395 CE - scientific and tech development, steady increase of new inventions, intro of innovations in traditional production, and emergence of scientific thinking/method - which humantiy’s most important present-day techonologies look back at this historical age

heavy plough

most important technological inventions during middles ages, turning into european agri and economy to its head

What does the term gunpowder refer to in historical context?

A black powder accidentally invented by Chinese alchemists around 850 AD.

It huoyao

“fire potion” to invent the elixir of life

What invention is believed to have originated in 17th century AD China as a form of currency?

Paper money.

metals - gold and silver

used as currency before the intro of paper money

What crucial advancement was made with the development of the mechanical clock?

It allowed for accurate tracking of time.

spinning wheel

a machine theorized by Indians between 6th to 11th century AD which is used for transforming fiber into thread or yarn and eventually woven into cloth on a loom

modern ages 

1590-1929 : efficiency of transpo, communication, production & industrilization - greater risk in human health, food safety and environment at unimaginable speed

Who invented the compound microscope and what is its significance?

Invented by Hans and Zacharias Janssen; it is capable of magnifying objects 3-10x fully closed when extended to maximum which are important in various scientific studies - med, forensic, tissue analysis, atomic & genetics

What was Galileo Galilei's contribution to the field of astronomy?

He invented the first telescope, magnifying objects 20 times.

What does the Joseph Marie Jacquard loom represent in technological history?

An important antecedent of modern computer technology using punched cards to instruct a machine to carry out complex tasks (e.g. diff textile patterns) 

Who are credited with designing the first engine-powered aircraft, proving flying without the need of airfoil-shaped wings?

Orville Wright and Wilbur Wright.

Who is credited with the invention of modern television?

John Logie Baird.

What is the e-jeepney's purpose?

To provide an environmentally friendly alternative - eliminating noise and air pollution - to traditional jeepneys.

What is erythromycin and who invented it?

An important antibiotic invented by Abelardo Aguilar.

What innovation did Fe del Mundo create for newborns?

The medical incubator.

medical incubator

invention of the incubator and jaundice relieving device which outstand the state of PH rural communities that had no electricity to aid regulation of body temp of newborns 

Who developed an accessible, affordable, painless and scar less procedure - local mole remover - from the extract of cashew nuts?

Rolando Dela Cruz

What is significant about Maria Orosa's invention?

She invented banana ketchup, a different variety from traditional tomato ketchup.