Two Technologies That Were Way Ahead of Their TimeNot every new idea catches on quickly George Dillard · Follow Published in Teatime History · 7 min read · 14 hours ago 14 hours ago -- 7 SharePhoto by Bruno Martins on UnsplashWhat would you say are the most important inventions in world history? Why were these crucial inventions — the steam engine and the printing press — invented hundreds or thousands of years before they transformed the world? An ancient Roman steam engineWho invented the steam engine, and when? But the basic idea of the steam engine, in which burning fuel boils water, expelling steam that can be harnessed for energy, dates back to Roman times. He was a prolific inventor who developed a vending machine, an automatic door, and automata that acted out little plays.

Source: New York Times January 19, 2024 02:13 UTC