MODULE 2

Historical Antecedents in the Course of Science and Technology

Overview
Science and Technology play significant roles in the everyday life. They
make difficult and complicated tasks easier and encourage people to do more with so
little effort and time. Developments in this field are brought about by gradual
improvements to earlier works from different time periods. This module will discuss the
technological and scientific achievements during the ancient, middle, and modern ages.
It will also cover the development of science and technology in the Philippines.

At the end of the lesson the students should be able to:

1. identify inventions and discoveries during the ancient, middle, and modern ages
that led to further S&T development.
2. discuss the scientific and technological developments in the Philippines.
PRE-TEST
Multiple Choice: Choose the letter of the correct answer.

1. ____________ civilization emerged in the southernmost tip of ancient

Mesopotamia.
a. Roman c. Sumerian
b. Greek d. Chinese
2. A writing system that utilizes word pictures and triangular symbols which are
carved on clay using wedge instruments.
a. Cuneiform c. Syllabaries
b. Hieroglyphics d. Alphabets
3. What ancient civilization emerged near the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers?
a. Babylonian c. Roman
b. Greek d. Egyptian
4. The _______________________ was said to be a structure made up of layers
upon layers of gardens that contained several species of plants, trees, and vines.
a. Great Wall of China c. Amphitheater
b. City of Uruk d. Hanging Gardens of Babylon
5. Which of the following civilizations used a writing system known as the
Hieroglyphics?
a. Babylonian c. Roman
b. Greek d. Egyptian
6. The first newspaper, known as _________, contained announcements of the
Roman Empire to the people.
a. Codex c. Cuneiform
b. Papyrus d. Gazette
7. Which of the following civilizations invented the gunpowder?
a. Roman c. Sumerian
b. Greek d. Chinese
8. Which of the following individuals introduced the use of kerosene?
a. Johann Gutenberg c. Dr. Fe del Mundo
b. Zacharias Janssen d. Samuel M. Kier
9. Which of the following developed a trap system made of natural ingredients that
are lethal to mosquitos?
a. DOST-ASTI c. DOST-MIRDC
b. DOST-PNRI d. DOST-ITDI
10. Which of the following scientists invented the Sustainable Alternative Lighting
(SALt) Lamp?
a. Dr. Fe del Mundo c. Dominic N. Chung
b. Aisa Mejino d. Victor “Atoy” Llave
 LEARNING ACTIVITIES

Ancient Times

Out of necessity, people in ancient times were able to discover and invent things
that would impact the lives of the modern people. They were able to develop things to
improve the transportation, communication, health and aesthetic, architecture, mass
production, and security and protection during these times.

Sumerian Civilization

Sumerian civilization emerged in the southernmost tip of ancient Mesopotamia.

They had an unusual flair for technological invention. They invented wide range of
technology and perfected the large-scale use of existing ones. Some of the important
contributions of the Sumerians were:

1. Cuneiform. One of the major contributions of the Sumerians is the development

of the first writing system that utilizes word pictures and triangular symbols
known as cuneiform. It was used to record a variety of information with great
historical value.

Figure 2.1 Cuneiform

2. City of Uruk. It is considered as the first true city in the world. The Sumerians
used sun-baked bricks – mud or clay mixed with reeds – to build the city.

Figure 2.2 City of Uruk

3. The Great Ziggurat of Ur. The ziggurat was also constructed using sun-baked
bricks. This structure served as the sacred place of their chief god, where only
their priests could enter.

Figure 2.3 The Great Ziggurat of Ur

4. Irrigation and Dikes. Sumerians created dikes and irrigation canals to bring
water to farmlands and at the same time control the flooding of the rivers, which
in return increased their food production.

Figure 2.4 Irrigation and Dikes

5. Wheel. Sumerians constructed the first wheels by inserting rotating axles into
solid discs of wood. This innovation was used for transportation, farm work, and
food processes.

Figure 2.5 Mesopotamian Wheel

 6. Plow. Another farm technology invented by Sumerians is the plow. The plow was
invented to dig the ground where seed would be planted. This tool helped them
to mass produce food without taking so much effort and time.

Figure 2.6 Mesopotamian Plow

Babylonian Civilization

Babylonian civilization flourished near the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers. The
Babylonians made significant discoveries in mathematics, physics, and astronomy.
They were also known as great builders, engineers, and architects. Some of the
important contributions of the Sumerians were:

1. Hanging Gardens of Babylon. The Hanging Gardens of Babylon are

considered one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. They were fabled
gardens built by King Nebuchadnezzar II for his wife, Queen Amytis. According
to historians, this structure was made up of layers upon layers of gardens that
contained wide variety of plants, trees, and vines. However, no archaeological
evidence has been found to prove its existence and people can only marvel at its
beauty from stories and paintings.

Figure 2.7 Hanging Gardens of Babylon

 2. Astronomy. Babylonians introduced the use of constellations to determine the
weather, climate, and seasons. They also studied the use of celestial bodies
such as the moon, the stars, and the sun to predict future events. They also
mapped the position of astronomical bodies, which currently known as
horoscope, to foretell their daily lives and those of their kings.

Figure 2.8 Babylonian Astrology

Egyptian Civilization

Egyptian civilization is located in ancient North Africa. This civilization built many
engineering feats such as the pyramids, temples, and tombs. Aside from engineering
technology, the Egyptians have developed other things that the world now considers as
essential.

1. Paper or Papyrus and Ink. Paper made from papyrus was the main writing
material in ancient Egypt. Papyrus (cyperus papyrus) was a plant which once
grew in abundance, along the Nile River in Egypt. Since paper made from
papyrus was lighter and thinner than clay tablets, it was easy to carry and store.
It was also less breakable compared to clay tablets. This invention was a major
accomplishment in Egyptian record-keeping and communications. They also
invented ink by combining soot with different chemicals.

Figure 2.9 Ancient Egyptian Papyrus

2. Hieroglyphics. The hieroglyphics, also called the holy writings, was one of the
writing systems used by ancient Egyptians. They believed that this writing system
was provided to them by their Gods. It involved combination of logographic,
syllabic, and alphabetic elements. This form of writing remains to be famous as
the pyramids where they were found.

Figure 2.10 Egyptian Hieroglyphics

3. Cosmetics. Egyptians wore kohl as a cosmetic to darken their eyes and to

prevent and even cure eye ailments. It was created by mixing malachite with
mineral galena. Egyptians believed that a person wearing make-up was
protected from evil and that beauty was a sign of holiness.

Figure 2.11 Kohl around the eyes of Egyptian woman

4. Wig. During the ancient Egyptian times, wigs were worn for health and wellness
rather than aesthetic purpose. They used it to shield shaved, hairless heads from
the harmful rays of the sun.

Figure 2.12 Egyptian Wig

5. Water Clock/Clepsydra. The water clock or clepsydra invented by Amenemhet,

was an ancient device for measuring time by gradual flow of water. It uses gravity
that affects the flow of water from one vessel to the other.

Figure 2.13 Clepsydra

Greek Civilization

The Greek civilization has contributed much to the world especially in the fields of
science and technology. Its origins were in the land of Greece and the islands of the
Aegean Sea. It is known as the birthplace of western philosophy. Some of their major
achievements include the following:

1. Alarm Clock. The ancient Greek’s alarm clock used water or sometimes small
stones or sand that dropped into drums which sounded the alarm. Plato was
believed to have utilized an alarm clock to signal the start of his lecture.

Figure 2.14 Plato’s Alarm Clock

2. Water Mill. Watermills were used in agricultural processes like milling of grains
which was a necessary form of food processing during that time. This invention
only required access to rivers or flowing water where a mechanism of a large
wheel with small “buckets” of water attached to it could be installed.

Figure 2.15 Watermill

3. Archimedes' Screw. Invented by Archimedes, the Archimedes' screw was an
efficient way to move water up a hill.

Figure 2.16 Archimedes’ Screw

4. Biology. Aristotle introduced the idea of classifying animals according to their

different characteristics. He studied animals in detail and wrote down his
observations in a book called the History of Animals. He is often referred to as
the father of zoology.

Figure 2.17 Aristotle

 5. Cartography. Cartography is the study and practice of making maps.
Anaximader was one of the first pioneer cartographers to create a map of the
world.

Figure 2.18 Anaximader’s Map of the World

Roman Civilization

Roman civilization emerged from the city of Rome in modern day Italy. It was
perceived to be the strongest political and social entity in the west and other civilizations
looked up to it as their model in terms of legislation and codified laws. Aside from their
contributions in politics, this civilization also contributed a lot of discoveries and
inventions that are still relevant today.

1. Newspaper. Romans introduced the first newspapers known as gazettes. The

first newspaper became very famous and helped people know important events
that has happened.
 Figure 2.19 Gazette
2. Bound Books or Codex. Julius Caesar started the tradition of stacking up
papyrus to form pages of a book. With the papyrus pages bound together and
covered by animal skin, the ancient Roman civilization was able to produce the
first books or codex.

Figure 2.20 Codex

3. Roman Architecture. Roman architecture was considered a continuation of

Greek architecture. Roman government was able to implement projects such as
large churches (cathedrals and basilicas), aqueducts, coliseums, and
amphitheaters. Here are some of the most notable Roman architecture:
Colloseum, Baalbek, Pantheon, Pont du Gard, Amphitheater of El Djem,
Diocletian's Palace, Pula Arena, Aqueduct of Segovia, Palmyra, Amphitheatre
Nimes, and Castel Sant'Angelo.

Figure 2.21 Pantheon

4. Roman Numerals. Romans devised their own number system to address the
need for a standard counting method that would meet their increasing
communication and trade concerns.
Chinese Civilization

China is located on the far east of Asia. The Chinese civilization is the oldest
civilization in Asia. Gunpowder, paper, printing, and the compass are sometimes called
the Four Great Inventions of Ancient China. It was also famous among other
civilizations because of its silk trade.

1. Silk. The Chinese were the ones to who developed the technology to harvest the
silk which is naturally produced by silkworms and process it to produce paper
and clothing. Silk production resulted in the creation of a product for trade that
bridged the gap between the western world and the middle kingdom.

Figure 2.22 Silk Production

2. Tea Production. Tea production was developed when an unknown Chinese

inventor created a machine that was able to shred tea leaves into strips. This
machine was done using a wheel-based mechanism with sharp edges attached
to a wooden or ceramic pot. Tea production developed by the ancient Chinese
may have resulted in making tea as one of the most popular beverages in the
world today.

3. Great Wall of China. The Great Wall of China is said to be the largest and most
extensive infrastructure that the nation built. It was constructed to keep out
foreign invaders and control the borders of China. It was made with stone, brick,
wood, earth, and other materials. This man-made structure continues to be a
world attraction due to its historical significance and architectural grandeur.
 Figure 2.23 Great Wall of China
4. Gunpowder. The gunpowder was developed by Chinese alchemists by mixing
charcoal, sulfur, and potassium nitrate.

Figure 2.24 Gunpowder

Medieval/Middle Ages

The start of the middle ages was marred by massive invasions and migrations.
Wars were prevalent during this time. Thus, great technology was needed in the fields
of weaponry, navigation, mass food and farm production, and health. Moreover, trade
and commerce among nations increased, which resulted in greater demands for
transportation technology. Some of the most innovative minds came from this period.
Here are some of the important contributions during the middle ages.

1. Printing Press. Johann Gutenberg invented the printing press. He uses wooden
machines that extracted juices from fruits, attached to them a metal impression of
the letters, and pressed firmly the cast metal into a piece of paper, which then
made an exact impression on paper.

Figure 2.25 Gutenberg’s Printing Press

2. Microscope. Zacharias Janssen developed the first compound microscope. The

microscope was key in discovering new means in preventing and curing various
illnesses.
 3. Telescope. The invention of the telescope, an optical instrument that helps in the
observation of remote objects, was a great help for navigators during this time.
The telescope was first patented in 1608 by Hans Lippershey.

Figure 2.26 Hans Lippershey’s Telescope

4. War Weapons. Cross bows, long bows, and chainmail were invented during the
Middle Ages.

Modern Ages

The modern era includes the early period, called the early modern period, which
lasted from 1500-present. The Modern Period covers human history from the creation of
a more global network to present day. Here are some of the important discoveries and
inventions during the modern ages.

1. Pasteurization. Louis Pasteur, a French biologist, microbiologist, and chemist,

invented pasteurization. It is the process of heating dairy products such as milk to
kill the harmful bacteria that allow them to spoil faster. He also studied molecular
asymmetry, fermentation, and vaccination.

Figure 2.27 Louis Pasteur

2. Petroleum Refinery. Samuel M. Kier invented kerosene by refining petroleum
that was later referred to as the “illuminating oil” because it was used to provide
lighting to homes.

Figure 2.28 Samuel Kier

3. Telephone. The first telephone was invented by Alexander Graham Bell in 1876.
He made the first call on March 10, 1876, to his assistant, Thomas Watson. It
was one of the most important inventions at that time.

Figure 2.29 Alexander Graham Bell and the first telephone

4. Calculator. The creation of modern calculators did not only pave the way for
easier arithmetic calculations, but also resulted in the development of more
complex processing machines like the computer.
Philippine Inventions

Philippines also contributes to the global advancement of science and

technology. Many of the discoveries and inventions made by the Filipinos were built
from indigenous materials to adapt to the harsh tropical environment.

1. Salamander Amphibious Tricycle. H2O Technologies headed by Dominic N.

Chung and Lamberto Armada, together with Chief Designer Victor “Atoy” Llave
invented the Salamander, an amphibious tricycle that can cross flooded streets,
rivers, and lakes. It was used to travel from island to island.

Figure 2.30 Salamander Amphibious Tricycle

2. Salt Lamp. A young Filipina inventor named Aisa Mejino invented a lighting
system that utilizes saltwater to address the needs of electricity. She invented the
Sustainable Alternative Lighting (SALt) lamp, an environmental-friendly light
source that runs on saltwater.

Figure 2.31 Aisa Mejino and her SALt Lamp

3. Medical Incubator. Dr. Fe del Mundo, a Filipino pediatrician and the first Asian
woman admitted into Harvard Medical School, invented a medical incubator
made from indigenous and cheap materials which did not run on electricity.

Figure 2.32 Dr. Fe del Mundo and her medical incubator

4. Mosquito Ovicidal/Larvicidal Trap System. In 2010, the Department of

Science and Technology-Industrial Technology Development Institute (DOST-
ITDI) introduced a trap system made of natural ingredients that are lethal to
mosquitos but safe for humans and environment, known as the Mosquito
Ovicidal/Larvicidal Trap System (OL Trap).

Figure 2.33 Mosquito OL Trap

5. Ejeepney. This modern type of transportation uses electricity instead of the more
expensive diesel.

Figure 2.34 Ejeepney

PRACTICE TASK 1

1. Research on the technologies or innovations during ancient, middle, and modern

ages aside from those discussed in this module. Take note of the following
points:
a. Would you consider some of these innovations to be advanced for their
period? Cite examples.
b. How did these innovations affect human life and activity?
c. Was the development of these technologies motivated by securing
subsistence or by societal goals?
2. Discuss your findings and analysis in an essay.

PRACTICE TASK 2

1. Give three other major scientific and technological developments in the

Philippines that created a large impact on your daily life.
2. What historical antecedents gave rise to the inventions you mentioned in the first
question?
POST-TEST
Multiple Choice: Choose the letter of the correct answer.

1. ____________ civilization emerged in the southernmost tip of ancient

Mesopotamia.
a. Roman c. Sumerian
b. Greek d. Chinese
2. A writing system that utilizes word pictures and triangular symbols which are
carved on clay using wedge instruments.
a. Cuneiform c. Syllabaries
b. Hieroglyphics d. Alphabets
3. What ancient civilization emerged near the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers?
a. Babylonian c. Roman
b. Greek d. Egyptian
4. The _______________________ was said to be a structure made up of layers
upon layers of gardens that contained several species of plants, trees, and vines.
a. Great Wall of China c. Amphitheater
b. City of Uruk d. Hanging Gardens of Babylon
5. Which of the following civilizations used a writing system known as the
Hieroglyphics?
a. Babylonian c. Roman
b. Greek d. Egyptian
6. The first newspaper, known as _________, contained announcements of the
Roman Empire to the people.
a. Codex c. Cuneiform
b. Papyrus d. Gazette
7. Which of the following civilizations invented the gunpowder?
a. Roman c. Sumerian
b. Greek d. Chinese
8. Which of the following individuals introduced the use of kerosene?
a. Johann Gutenberg c. Dr. Fe del Mundo
b. Zacharias Janssen d. Samuel M. Kier
9. Which of the following developed a trap system made of natural ingredients that
are lethal to mosquitos?
a. DOST-ASTI c. DOST-MIRDC
b. DOST-PNRI d. DOST-ITDI
10. Which of the following scientists invented the Sustainable Alternative Lighting
(SALt) Lamp?
a. Dr. Fe del Mundo c. Dominic N. Chung
b. Aisa Mejino d. Victor “Atoy” Llave
ANSWER KEY TO PRE-TEST AND POST-TEST
1. C
2. A
3. A
4. D
5. C
6. D
7. D
8. D
9. D
10. B