Source: https://unsplash.com/photos/nvnpRTkHoIE
Innovations and discoveries are the lifelines of today’s modern world. Innovation is the idea that is new to the world, while discovery is the finding of an already existing thing. One of the noteworthy countries in the world, Britain has had a prestigious place in innovations and discoveries. Here are the five most important British innovations and discoveries of all time. It is essential to note the distinctive nature of these discoveries and innovations which signifies that the scientists/innovators belonged to different fields of life.
Vaccines
Source: https://unsplash.com/photos/qqyIX177sY0
History is full of tales of deadly diseases. Thanks to the British scientist Edward Jenner who developed the vaccine in 1796, which protects living beings from fatal diseases. Vaccines are not the medicines that cure the disease; rather, it provides safety from diseases. It provides immunity. When the living being is immune through vaccines, it means protection is provided from the upcoming illness. The general form of vaccination is an injection. However, the oral form is also applicable in some cases. The first vaccine was developed against smallpox.
The Steam Engine
Source: https://unsplash.com/photos/yWQlkCBYwhs
Travelling and moving goods are as old as human history. The development of the steam engine was a marvellous innovation of the British English engineer named Thomas Savery. It is regularly referred to as the “Savery Engine“. Later, it was further improved by Thomas Newcomen and James Watt (both born in the UK) in 1712 and 1765, respectively. It revolutionized the industrial sector and made commodities cheaper and easier to be produced.
DNA
Source: https://unsplash.com/photos/-qycBqByWIY
Before the discovery of DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid), it was challenging to identify an unknown human being with an average body or blood test. DNA is the building block of living things. Different techniques have been developed with advances in the field of biological science. In 1953, Francis Crick, an English man, along with others, was the scientist who discovered the other structure: the double helix. Its discovery has revolutionized the assessment of a person’s susceptibility to certain diseases, investigation of disease pathways, formulation of new drugs and diagnosis of genetic disorders.
Hydrogen Gas
Source: https://unsplash.com/photos/RflgrtzU3Cw
Henry Cavendish, a physicist, was a British scientist who discovered hydrogen gas in 1766. Hydrogen gas is an essential gas of the world’s atmosphere. It exists either in the form of water or part of a compound. Henry recognized Hydrogen gas as a discrete substance for the first time. As the most abundant element existing in the atmosphere, Hydrogen gas is used in different industries like food, fertilizers, transportation etc. it is useful in making clean energy as it is the direct source of it.
Toothbrush
Source: https://unsplash.com/photos/RC3iqm267hQ
The list of important discoveries and innovations would be incomplete without mentioning another British Invention that changed how people care for their teeth. Despite the myth that “bad teeth lead to bad breath”, dental hygiene is one of the essential components of good health. British scientist, William Addis, was the first person to propose the idea and make mass-produced toothbrushes.
Conclusion:
Characterized as a nation of inventors, Britain has a long list of innovators and discoverers. Not all of them have changed the world, but many of them regularly feature in our daily lives. Innovations and discoveries such as vaccines, the steam engine, DNA, Hydrogen gas and Toothbrush have drastically changed the standard of living and continue to do so with constant developments.
Muhammad Asfandyar is a lawyer having extensive experience in creative content writing, proofreading, legal and academic research writing. He can be reached at asfandyar.edw@gmail.com