18th century tech still in use today essentially unchanged

Started by fauxlaw

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#1 •••
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As we approach the U.S. 250th anniversary, I thought it would be fun to see what tech was developed in the 18th century that is still in use today, essentially unchanged from when invented;


  1. The plumbing S-trap: Alexander Cummings patented the S-trap in 1775, which allows standing water in the pipe to seal out sewer gas from entering the interior of a building.
  2. Bio-focal lenses: Benjamin Franklin is credited with inventing bifocals around 1780.
  3. Circular saw: Patented by Samuel Miller in 1777, this is still the standard for cutting wood.
  4. Lightning rod: Developed by Benjamin Franklin in 1752 [the only double-dipper on the list]
  5. Parachute: Developed by Louis Sebastien in 1783


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We tell God what to do and then blame Him for our errors.

- Dr. Pet Dragon of Sorbonne University

#2 •••
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Not sure that square or triangular saws would be any good.


Though the chainsaw was invented in 1785 by Scottish Doctors Aitken and Jeffray for cutting bone.


And interestingly, it is thought that the first structures specifically designed to attract lightning were constructed 5000 or more years ago.


Similarly, the concept of the S trap was derived from Roman plumbing systems.


And of course Leonardo da Vinci is credited with the first parachute design.

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#3 •••
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@SergeantLynch

And Elon Musk is still looking to Mars as the future.

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#4 •••
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@Debby

First, got to get those damn rockets to stop exploding and try and work out how to avoid the Moon.

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#5 •••
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@SergeantLynch

He might go broke trying. Stocks of SpaceX is crashing too.

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#6 •••
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@Debby


Debby wrote:
He might go broke trying. Stocks of SpaceX is crashing too.


He has a long way to go to get to broke.

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#7 •••
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@Debby


Debby wrote:
And Elon Musk is still looking to Mars as the future.


That's because he has so much more in common with Martians than Earth people.

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#8 •••
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@SergeantLynch


SergeantLynch wrote:
First, got to get those damn rockets to stop exploding and try and work out how to avoid the Moon.


Avoiding the moon is easy schmeezy, just go during the day.



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#9 •••
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@Sidewalker

Tell Elon.


He needs to save rocket fuel.





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#10 •••
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@SergeantLynch


SergeantLynch wrote:
Tell Elon.

He needs to save rocket fuel.


Rocket fuel will be more affordable once The Straits of Hormuz becomes a state,

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(Last edited by SkepticalOne on )
#11 •••
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@fauxlaw




  1. The plumbing S-trap: phased out due to siphoning risk and slow drain. P-trap is the standard now.
  2. Bio-focal lenses: Progressive lenses are more popular. Bifocals are still available for anyone who objects to the progressive label.
  3. Circular saw: Completely 'unchanged' - except now we use electricity instead of a windmill.
  4. Lightning rod: Mesh systems, surge suppessors, etc. The idea of protection is the same, but the method is quite different.
  5. Parchute: unchanged? Yah, no.



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Take the risk of thinking for yourself, much more happiness, truth, beauty, and wisdom will come to you that way. - Christopher Hitchens

#12 •••
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@SkepticalOne

Planning for Mars too?

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#13 •••
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Debby:


He might go broke trying. Stocks of SpaceX is crashing too. [your #5]



doesn't look like a crash to me. this chart represents about a month of trading since the public offering began. The rocket hasn't crashed, contrary to your suggestion

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We tell God what to do and then blame Him for our errors.

- Dr. Pet Dragon of Sorbonne University

#14 •••
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@Debby

I'd take Spirit Airlines to Mars before signing up with Musk.

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Take the risk of thinking for yourself, much more happiness, truth, beauty, and wisdom will come to you that way. - Christopher Hitchens

#15 •••
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It has recovered some of its loses.

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