(STS) Lecture 3: Middle Ages, Modern Times, Philippine Inventions

Learning Outcomes for STS Lecture 3

• Identify the different technological innovations that occurred over various periods of time.
• Recognize the different Philippine inventions that have significantly impacted society.

The Medieval / Middle Ages

• General Context and Societal Conditions:

  • Characterized by massive invasions and migrations.
  • Wars were highly prevalent during this era.
  • The period saw a decline in population.
  • Despite the hardships, most innovative minds are considered to have emerged from this period.
  • Known as the "Age of Exploration."

• The Printing Press:

  • Inventor: Johan Guttenberg.
  • Innovation: Invented a reliable method of printing using a cast type.
  • Evolution: This initial invention evolved into the mechanical printing press, which eventually spread and was used globally.

• The Microscope:

  • Inventor: Zacharias Janssen.
  • Developmental Logic: Janssen was guided by the principles used for the invention of eyeglasses in previous years to develop the first compound microscope.
  • Functional Impact: This device allowed people to observe organisms that are normally invisible to the naked eye.
  • Medical Significance: The microscope served as the key tool for discovering new methods to prevent and cure various illnesses.
  • Modern Connections mentioned in the lecture:
    • The study of $SARS-CoV-2$.
    • The use of RT-PCR (Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction) in the medical field.
    • Advanced microscopic technology such as the Electron Microscope and Scanning Electron Microscope.

• The Telescope:

  • Definition: An optical instrument designed to aid in the observation of remote objects.
  • Necessity: Because the Middle Ages was the "Age of Exploration," there was a high demand for nautical inventions.
  • Other Nautical Inventions: Included the compass, oars, and rudders.

• War Weapons:

  • Development Context: Extensive progress in weaponry technology occurred due to frequent conflicts.
  • Strategic Necessity: All sides were forced to develop weapons for both offensive strikes and defensive protection.
  • Open Battle Armament: Development of crossbows and longbows allowed soldiers to attack enemies from long ranges.
  • Close-Range Combat: This necessitated protection for the physical body.
  • Iron Body Armor: Created to address the need for protection during hand-to-hand combat.
  • Chainmail: A specific type of armor made of small metal rings linked together in a specific pattern to form a protective mesh.

Modern Times

• General Context and Industrialization:

  • Marked by the extensive development of industries.
  • Experienced a blooming population during the $19^{th}$ century.
  • Characterized by the emergence of efficient means of transportation.
  • Transitioned from machines that required animals to operate to faster, easier means of communication and computation.
  • Driven primarily by the Industrial Revolution.

• Pasteurization:

  • Process: The heating of dairy products to kill harmful bacteria.
  • Inventor: Louis Pasteur, a French biologist, microbiologist, and chemist.
  • Impact: This allowed dairy products to be stored and consumed for significantly longer periods.

• Petroleum Refinery:

  • Historical Precursor: Animal oils were originally used to generate light to illuminate homes.
  • Demand: Invented due to the requirement for better methods of powering homes and transportation.
  • Inventor: Samuel M. Kier, who invented kerosene by refining petroleum.
  • Outcome: The development of kerosene established the refinery industry.

• The Telephone:

  • Inventor: Alexander Graham Bell.
  • Significance: Regarded as one of the most critical inventions of the modern era for communication.

• The Calculator:

  • Impact: The creation of modern calculators simplified arithmetic calculations.
  • Legacy: Paved the way for the development of more complex processing machines, leading eventually to the computer.

Philippine Inventions

• Context of Science and Technology in the Philippines:

  • The Philippines is classified as a developing country.
  • It is considered one of the most vulnerable countries regarding natural resources.
  • Local discoveries and inventions are frequently built using indigenous materials.

• Salamander Amphibious Tricycle:

  • Inventors: Victor Llave and $H_2O$ Technologies.
  • Origin of Invention: Created to address the issue of flooding, which is a common occurrence in many areas of the Philippines.
  • Capability: The vehicle is capable of crossing flooded streets as well as navigating rivers and lakes.

• SALt Lamp:

  • Name Meaning: SALt stands for Sustainable Alternative Lighting.
  • Inventor: Aisa Mijeno, a young Filipino scientist.
  • Mechanism: An environment-friendly light source powered by saltwater.
  • Composition: The lamp is powered by mixing $2$ tablespoons of salt and one glass of tap water.

• Medical Incubator:

  • Inventor: Dr. Fe Del Mundo, a renowned Filipino pediatrician and the first Asian woman admitted to Harvard Medical School.
  • Design: Specifically devised to use indigenous and inexpensive materials that do not require electricity.
  • Construction: A native laundry basket was placed inside a larger basket; hot water bottles were then inserted between the two baskets to provide the necessary warmth for the infant.

• Mosquito Ovicidal/Larvicidal Trap System (OL Trap):

  • Background: Invented to combat Dengue, which is transmitted by the mosquito species Aedes aegypti.
  • Necessity: Developed in response to the evolution of insecticide-resistant mosquito populations.
  • Inventor: Department of Science and Technology - Industrial Technology Development Institute (DOST-ITDI).
  • Design: Uses natural ingredients that are lethal to mosquitoes but remain safe for humans and the environment.

• E-Jeepney:

  • Historical Context: The original Jeepney was a major transportation innovation in the Philippines, constructed using jeeps left by Americans after World War II.
  • Traditional Jeepney Issues: These are diesel-powered, produce large quantities of smoke, and are major contributors to noise pollution.
  • Innovation: The Electric Jeepney (e-Jeepney) utilizes electricity instead of expensive diesel.
  • Advantages: Environment-friendly as it emits no smoke and operates without noise pollution.

References

• McNamara Daniel J, Valverde Vida Mia S, and Beleno III Ramon B. (2018). Science, Technology, and Society. C & E Publishing, Inc.