GEC121 SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIETY

Historical Antecedents in the Course of Science and Technology

Science and technology indeed play major roles in everyday life. They
make difficult and complicated tasks easier and allow people to do more with so
little effort and time. The developments in this field are not just products of
people’simagination or a one-time thought process; they are also brought about
by gradual improvements to earlier works from different time periods. The
driving force behind this continuous progress is the desire to raise the quality of
life of the people.

This learning material will discuss the significant contributions and

influences of the three periods of time; Ancient times, Medieval times, and
Modern times, as well as the contributions and inventions of the Modern Filipino
scientists.

ANCIENT TIMES
In the ancient times, people were concerned with transportation and
navigation, communication and record-keeping, mass production,
security and protection, as well as health, aesthetics, and architecture.

❏ Transportation was significant during that time because people were

trying to go places and discover new horizons. They travelled to search
for food and find better locations for their settlements. They also travelled
to trade their surplus goods in exchange for things that they lacked.
Navigation assisted them in their journeys to unfamiliar and strange
areas in the world. It allowed them to return home after they discovered
new places or completed an important trade with another group of people.
❏ Communication was also essential in their endeavors to discover and
occupy new places. They needed a way to communicate with the natives
of the areas they visited so as to facilitate trade and prevent possible
conflicts. Record-keeping was also important since they needed to
remember the places they had been to and document the trades they
made with each other. It was also vital to keep records of their history
and culture so they could establish their identities as they tried to relate
with other cultures and civilizations.

The increase in size and number of nations connoted increased demand

for food and other basic necessities. This condition also implied that people
must be able to produce food at a given time and space since resources were
getting scarcer as more people struggled to share the basic necessities. The
people thus needed a form of technology that would enable them to increase
food supplies and other survival needs without them travelling more or working
harder.

❏ Weapons and armors were important as well in the discovery of new

places or the establishment of new alliances with other tribes. At that
time, there was always risk of conflict when people met others with
different cultures and orientons. Conflicts were common especially if
different groups struggled to control vital resources. Stronger nations
tended to invade weaker ones so they could take much needed resources.
 As such, the development of weapons and armors for security and
protection was considered a major achievement.
❏ Health. A primary challenge they faced was the conservation of life.
The early people might have been successful in harnessing the rich
resources that the world could provide, but their survival posed a great
problem. Different illnesses and diseases, both natural and man-made,
hampered the full potential of human beings. Given this predicament,
science and technology played a major role in the discovery of cures to,
if not prevention of, illnesses.

Moreover, in order to integrate their needs-for better transportation,

establishment of structures for protection from human attacks and natural
disasters, and construction of bigger and stronger infrastructures-people
ventured into what is now known as the field of engineering. The
development in this field allowed humans to build structures that would address
their specific needs and wants. Some of the structures built during the ancient
times still exist today and continually awe people.

The development in engineering also ushered in the introduction of

architecture. Others might see architecture as a mere style, but during the
ancient times, elaborate architectural designs were signs of technological
advancement of a particular civilization. In the generations to come,
architecture would be considered a status symbol among nations of how
advanced their technology is. It may also establish the identity of a nation.

❏ Aesthetics. The people were not content with beautifying only their
infrastructures and surroundings. Being able to prolong life with the mass
production of food and advancement of medical technology, as well as
raise the quality of life by making complicated and difficult tasks easier,
humans later on developed the technology to improve how they look.
They discovered that people looked more visually presentable and
appealing by adding some features and decorations in their body.

With all these in mind, one can conclude that the developments in science
and technology, aside from affecting the lives of the people, were the results of
many prior antecedents. Out of necessity, people in ancient times were able
to discover and invent things that would impact the lives of the modern
people.

The following discussions will tackle the different major technological

advancements during the ancient times, which include some of the
achievements of the early civilizations such as the Sumerians, Babylonians, and
Egyptians. It will continue to describe the gradual application of knowledge up
to the contemporary time.

SUMERIAN CIVILIZATION
Sumer is located on the southernmost tip of ancient Mesopotamia.
Sumerians are known for their high degree of cooperation with one another and
their desire for great things. They are not content with the basic things that life
can offer. This desire pushed them to develop many things connected with
science and technology.
❏ Cuneiform
One of the major contributions of the Sumerians is the
development of the first writing system known as cuneiform. It is a
system that utilizes word pictures and triangular symbols which are
carved onto clay using wedge instruments and then left to dry. Cuneiform
allowed the Sumerians to keep records of things with great historical
value or their everyday life.

❏ Uruk City
Another important contribution of the Sumerians is the City of Uruk.
It is a great wonder not only because it is considered to be the first true
city in the world, but also for the way it was erected. There were no
building stones in the location of this city, and lumber was limited,
making the construction a big challenge. The Sumerians were able to
build the city using only mud or clay from the river, which they mixed
with reeds, producing sun-baked bricks--a true engineering feat. They
used the bricks to make houses that protected them from the harsh
weather and to build a wall around the city that prevented wild animals
and neighboring raiders from entering

❏ The Great Ziggurat of Ur

Another engineering and architectural feat of the Sumerians is the
Great Ziggurat of Ur. The ziggurat, also called the mountain of god, was
built in the same manner that they constructed the City of Uruk. Without
much building materials, the structure was constructed using sun-baked
bricks. The ziggurat served as the sacred place of their chief god, where
only their priests were allowed to enter. The temple showcases not only
the elaborate and intricate Sumerian architecture but also the remarkable
technology used to build it. As such, even until today, people still enjoy
and marvel at the preserved Great Ziggurat of Ur.

❏ Irrigation and Dikes

As population increased, so did the demand for food. The
Sumerians were challenged to mass produce food items but the elements
in the environment seemed uncooperative. It was difficult to get water
from the rivers, thus they could not maintain farmlands. Some groups
had scarce water supply while others had problems with flooding caused
by the river. As a solution to this dilemma, the Sumerians created dikes
and irrigation canals to bring water to farmlands and at the same time
control the flooding of the rivers. This method was considered as one of
the world's most beneficial engineering works. Through the dikes and
canals, the Sumerians were able to enjoy year-long farming and
harvesting, which increased their food production.

❏ Sailboats
Another challenge to the Sumerians was transportation. At that
time, the wheel was not yet invented; the main mode of transportation
was through waterways such as rivers and seas. Boats were used to carry
large quantities of products and were able to cover large distances.
However, they wanted to discover faraway lands to settle since the
population was getting larger, and boats were not enough to
accommodate more people and products. They needed a mode of
transportation that did not require much human resource. Some sources
 attribute to the Sumerians the invention of sailboats to address their
increasing demands. Sailboats were essential in transportation and
trading as well as in fostering culture, information, and technology.

❏ Wheel
In the latter part of their history, the Sumerians were able to invent
the wheel since the specialized tools needed to create it were already
available. The first wheels were not made for transportation but for farm
work and food processes. With the use of the wheel and axle, mass
Mesopotamian wheel production was made easier. Farmers were able to
mill grains with less effort in less time.

❏ The Plow
Another farm technology invented by the Mesopotamians is the
plow. Humans evolved from being food gatherers to farm cultivators.
However, farmers needed a technology which would enable them to dig
the ground where seeds would be planted. The plow was invented to dig
the earth at a faster pace. As the plow breaks the ground, the farmer
would just drop the seeds and farm work would already be done. With
this tool, farmers could cultivate larger parcels of land faster, enabling
them to mass produce food without taking so much effort and time.

❏ Roads
In order to facilitate faster and easier travel, the Sumerians
developed the first roads. With this work, the flow of traffic became faster
and more organized. They made the roads with the same technology they
used in making the sun-baked bricks that they laid down on the ground.
They later poured bitumen, a black sticky substance similar to asphalt, to
smoothen the roads. The invention of roads was very useful especially
during the rainy season when traveling in soft and muddy roads proved to
be too difficult.

BABYLONIAN CIVILIZATION
Babylonian civilization emerged near the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers. The
Babylonians were great builders, engineers, and architects. One of their major
contributions is the hanging gardens of Babylon, one of the seven wonders of
the ancient world.

❏ Hanging Gardens of Babylon

Today, people can only marvel at the beauty of the famous Hanging
Gardens of Babylon from stories of historians and paintings that portray
the place. It was said to be a structure made up of layers upon layers of
gardens that contained several species of plants, trees, and vines.
According to legends, the great Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar II built
the gardens for his wife, Queen Amytis. However, no physical evidence
has been found to prove the existence of the Hanging Gardens of Babylon.
Its exact location is also unknown. Since time immemorial, people have
been debating about the existence of the said mythical place. Many said it
was just a product of the creative imagination of the great King because it
lacked documentation or archaeological evidence. On the other hand, if it
really existed, it must have been destroyed by war, erosion, or an
 earthquake. True or not, hearing the stories and description of the place
would be enough to inspire awe to anyone. One can imagine the thick
greenery decorated by beautiful flowers coming from different places in
the garden and complicated design of the infrastructure. If the stories
were true, the Hanging Gardens of Babylon may be considered one of the
greatest engineering and architectural achievement of the world that is
almost impossible to replicate.

EGYPTIAN CIVILIZATION
Another early civilization famous for its legacy is the Eyptian civilization
located in North Africa. Many stories tell about the engineering feats of the
Egyptians especially regarding the infrastructures established by the pharaohs.
Aside from engineering technology, the Egyptians have contributed other
practical things that the world now considers as essential. It is thus safe to say
that the pyramids are not the only contribution of the Egyptian civilization to the
modern world.

❏ Paper or Papyrus
One of the earlier contributions of Egyptian civilization was the
paper or papyrus. Although Egypt was not the first to develop a system of
writing, they were able to make writing easier for the world. Before the
Egyptian innovation, clay tablets were used. However, safe-keeping and
transporting them were a major problem. Clay tablets were very fragile,
heavy, and delicate to handle. So, bringing them to places was a major
challenge. Hence, the Egyptian invention of the paper or papyrus was a
welcome development. Papyrus was a plant that grew abundantly along
the Nile River in Egypt. They were able to process the plant in order to
produce thin sheets on which one could write down things. Since papyrus
was lighter and thinner than clay tablets, it was easy to carry and store.
The sheets were also less breakable as compared to clay tablets. This
invention was a major accomplishment in Egyptian record-keeping and
communications. People then were able to send letters or
correspondences anywhere in the world since the pieces of paper were
very light that they could be carried and delivered by birds. Moreover,
record-keeping was no longer a problem since documents would not take
huge storage spaces. Therefore, it was easier to keep them away from
raiders who often destroyed records of the nations they invaded.

❏ Ink
When the Egyptians invented the papyrus or the paper, engraving
ceased to be used in writing. As a result, the Egyptians invented ink by
combining soot with different chemicals to produce inks of different colors.
The ink must withstand the elements of nature since it was used to record
history, culture, and codified laws. It must also be tamper-proof so that
people could not simply tinker with those written down by authorities.

❏ Hieroglyphics
Like the Sumerians, the Egyptians also developed a system of
writing using symbols, known as hieroglyphics. Although some say that
hieroglyphics was adapted from the early writing system established in
Mesopotamia as a result of trade between civilizations, the Egyptians
believed that this writing system was provided to them by their gods. This
 form of writing can still be seen today and remains to be as famous as the
pyramids where they were found. Hieroglyphics was the language that
tells the modern world of the history and culture of the ancient Egyptians.
Their records were well-preserved since they were carved at the walls of
pyramids and other important Egyption structures.

❏ Cosmetics
The Egyptians also invented the use of cosmetics. Although
cosmetics in the modern times are used to improve and highlight the
facial features of a person, their function in ancient Egypt was for both
health and aesthetic reasons. Egyptians wore Kohl around the eyes to
prevent and even cure eye diseases. Kohl was created by mixing soot or
malachite with mineral galena. Egyptians also believed that a person
wearing make-up was protected from evil and that beauty was a sign of
holiness. At present, the cosmetic industry is a booming multibillion
industry.

❏ Wig
Another cosmetic invention of ancient Egyptians is the wig. At
present, wigs are used to enhance the appearance of people who are
balding or those who want to try new hair trends. Meanwhile, during the
ancient Egyptian times, wigs were worn for health and wellness rather
than for aesthetic purposes. The wigs were used to protect the shaved
heads Egyptians from the harmful rays of the sun. Wearing a wig was
better than putting on a scarf or any other head cover since a wig allowed
heat to escape. Moreover, it was considered cleaner than natural hair
because it prevented the accumulation of lice.

❏ Water Clock/Clepsydra
Another important ancient Egyptian contribution is the water clock.
This device utilizes gravity that affects the flow of water from one vessel
to the other. The amount of water (or its height, depending on the
method used) remaining in the device determines how much time has
elapsed since it is full. In the process, time is measured. The water clock
was widely used as a timekeeping device during the ancient times.

GREEK CIVILIZATION
Greece is an archipelago in the southeastern part of Europe. Known as
the birthplace of western philosophy, some of the major achievements of the
Greeks include in-depth works on philosophy and mathematics. More than
coliseums and the Olympics, the Greek civilization has contributed much to the
world especially in the fields of science and technology.

❏ Alarm Clock
One of the most utilized gadgets today that was invented by the
ancient Greeks is the alarm clock. Although the alarm clock during that
time did not resemble the present-day alarm clock, the purpose was just
the same-to tell an individual when to stop or when to start. The ancient
Greek's alarm clocks used large complicated mechanisms to time the
alarm. They made use of 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. His version
 used four water vessels lined up vertically. The upper vessel supplied the
water which dropped to the vessel below it, which was set to be filled in a
given time. After it was full, water was siphoned off at a taster rate into
the third vessel which would cause the expulsion of contained air,
creating a whistling noise. Afterwards, this vessel would empty towards
Plato's alarm clock the bottom vessel for storage and reuse.

❏ Water Mill
Watermills were also considered as one of the most important
contributions of the Greek civilization to the world. They were commonly
used in agricultural processes like milling of grains which was a necessary
form of food processing during that time. Because milling was made
possible by the use of watermills, the mass production of rice, cereals,
tlours, and the like became common. Watermills were considered better
than mills powered by farm animals because they required less effort and
time to operate since the farmer did not have to raise animals. They 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.

ROMAN CIVILIZATION
The Roman Empire was perceived to be the strongest political and social
entity in the west. It was considered to be the cradle of politics and
governance during that period. Because the Roman Empire was so large, other
civilizations looked up to it as their model in terms of legislation and codified
laws. Aside from their contributions in politics, a lot of discoveries and
inventions still relevant today can be attributed to the Roman Empire.

❏ Newspaper
One of the major contributions of the Romans is the newspaper.
The first newspapers, known as gazettes, contained announcements of
the Roman Empire to the people. Made before the invention of paper,
these gazettes were engraved in metal or stone tablets and then publicly
displayed. When paper was invented, it became easier for the Romans to
"publish" matters that needed the attention of the Roman citizens. In fact,
with the advent of paper, minutes of the proceedings of the Roman
senate were done in shorthand. These documents were edited and
published on the same day that they were recorded. This way, the
Romans enjoyed easy access to government information the same way
we benefit from present-day newspapers.

❏ Bound Books or Codex

With the invention of paper, it became easier for civilizations to
write down everything that happened in their time. Record-keeping was
much easier since paper did not easily break, was lightweight, and did not
occupy much space. As a result, civilizations became fond of record-
keeping, especially documenting historical events and newly legislated
laws. Aside from Romans writing down information about history and
politics, literature also changed form from clay tablet to parchments of
paper. According to sources, Julius Caesar started the tradition of
stacking up papyrus to form pages of a book. Later on, they were able to
provide covers to protect the papyrus. The earlier covers were made of
wax but were later on replaced by animal skin which proved to be
stronger and longer-lasting. With the papyrus pages bound together and
 covered by animal skin, the ancient Roman Empire was able to produce
the first books or codex.

❏ Roman Architecture
Roman architecture is one of the most visual contributions of the
ancient Roman Empire to the world. Roman architectur was considered a
continuation of Greek architecture, hence, the resemblance. However,
Roman architecture was still regarded as pioneering since the Romans
were able to adapt new building and engineering technology on
architectural designs established in the past. In this manner, they were
able to preserve great and elaborate architectural designs because they
could produce sturdier and stronger infrastructures. The Romans were
also able to creatively redesign old architectural patterns to adapt to the
new trends at that time. This development in the field of engineering and
architecture was fully supported and funded by the Roman government so
they were able to implement major projects such as large churches
(cathedrals and basilicas), aqueducts, coliseums, amphitheaters, and
even residential houses. The quality of these majestic Roman structures
can be seen by the way they withstood time and the harsh elements of
the environment. Today, people of the world still enjoy these marvels.
These structures are proofs of ancient Romann technology

❏ Roman Numerals
Although other number systems had already been established
before the Roman numeral, these old systems could not keep up with
high calculation requirements due to the increasing rate of communication
and trade among nations. Since the Roman Empire was expanding, it had
to deal with many nations to maintain its power. For this reason, the Romans
devised their own number system specifically to address the need for a standard
counting method that would meet their increasing communication and trade
concerns. Although the Roman numeral is no longer widely today due to its inherent
limitations, quite a number of enthusiasts would still use it over other more popular
number system, the Hindu-Arabic system, due to its aesthetic and historical value.

CHINESE CIVILIZATION
The Chinese civilization is considered to be the oldest civilization in Asia, if not the
world. Also known as the middle kingdom, China is located on the far east of Asia. It was
famous among other ancient civilizations because of its silk trade. Not a great amount was
written about ancient China partly due to its distance from the other civilizations. Despite its
less popular status among the early civilizations, one cannot discredit the significant
contributions of Chinese civilization to the world.

❏ Silk
One of the things that connected Far East China to the world is silk. Although
silk is naturally produced by silkworms, the Chinese were the ones who developed
the technology to harvest the silk and process it to produce paper and clothing. Silk
production resulted in the creation of a product for trade. The silk trade opened
China to the outside world, making way for cultural, economic, and scientific
exchanges. It bridged the gap between the western world and the middle kingdom.
 ❏ Tea Production
Tea is a beverage produced by pouring hot or boiling water over crushed or
shredded dried tea leaves. It was believed that the first tea was drunk by a Chinese
emperor. 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. Because of this invention, the Chinese were able to increase their
production of tea and trade with other nations. China thus became known for its tea
exports aside from its silk products. Tea production developed by the ancient
Chinese may have resulted in making tea as one of the most popular beverages in
the world today.

❏ Great Wall of China

Once considered the only man-made structure that could be seen from outer
space, 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. Made with stone, brick, wood, earth, and other
materials, it showcased the extent of Chinese engineering technology at that time.
The structure was so massive and strong that it was said to have literally divided
China from the rest of the world. The wall's construction put the nation among the
powerful civilizations during the ancient times. It was the pride of their land and their
crowning glory. Today, with some sections already in ruins, the GreatWall still
continues to be a world attraction due to its historical significance and architectural
grandeur.

❏ Gunpowder
The gunpowder is one of the most interesting inventions in China. Originally,
it was developed by Chinese alchemists who aimed to achieve immortality. They
mixed charcoal, mixed sulfur, and potassium nitrate, but instead of creating an elixir
of life, they accidentally invented a black powder that could actually generate large
amounts of heat and gas in an instant. Ironically, instead of prolonging life,
gunpowder is widely used to propel bullets from guns and cannons which cause
countless deaths. In fact, gunpowder-propelled weapons are preferred by raiders
who plan to attack at a distance. The same weapon also used to dissipate any
attempts of invasion. On the other hand, gunpowder is also used in fireworks during
important celebrations in China.

MEDIEVAL/MIDDLE AGES
The start of the middle ages was marred by massive invasions and migrations. Wars
were prevalent during this time. As such, great technology was needed in the fields of
weaponry, navigation, mass food and farm production, and health. The wars have resulted
in population decline, but during the latter part of the period, there was a significant rise in
population. Trade and commerce among nations increased, which resulted in greater
demands for transportation technology. Some of the most innovative minds came from this
period.

❏ PRINTING PRESS
After the Chinese developed woodblock printing, Johann Gutenberg was able
to invent the printing press, a more reliable way of printing using a cast type. He
utilized 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. This general invention soon evolved
to be the mechanical printing press which was eventually used all over the world.
The printing press was invented to address the need for publishing books that would
 spread information to many people at a faster rate. This invention also made works
accessible to individuals who could not even write (Streissguth, 1997).

❏ MICROSCOPE
Another invention in the Middle Ages is the microscope. Growing populations
caused massive migration and urbanization during the period. More and more
people transferred to polluted and populated urban areas which resulted in more
people getting sick and needing medical attention.To develop the proper medicines
for illnesses, experts must understand the sickness through an investigation. Thus,
they needed a device that could magnify things invisible to the naked eye. Guided by
the principles used for the invention of eyeglasses in earlier years, Zacharias
Janssen was able to develop the first compound microscope. With this device,
people were able to observe organisms that were normally unseen by the naked eye.
The microscope was the key in discovering new means in preventing and curing
various illnesses (Davidson, 2015).

❏ TELESCOPE
Since the Middle Ages was also known as the Age of Exploration, the need
for nautical inventions was high. Considering the vast and empty oceans that
separated lands, ship captains needed to see far and wide for them to navigate or to
avoid dangers at sea. 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. Together with the telescope, the invention of the compass, oars, and
rudders made sea travelling easier and safer (Helden, 1989).

❏ WAR WEAPONS
Since wars were widespread during the Middle Ages, great development in
weaponry technology also occurred. All sides must develop weaponries not only as
offensive tools but defensive instruments. For open-area battles, people develloped
cross bows and long bows so that they could attack enemies at long ranges,
keeping themselves safe with the protection of walls and fortresses. Additionally, in
close-range hand-to-hand combat, soldiers should wear something tp protect
themselves, a need addressed by the creation of iron body armors. However, body
armors were heavy and limited their movements. The problem was eventually solved
by the invention of the chainmail.

MODERN TIMES
The booming world population during the nineteenth century onwards demanded
that more goods be produced at a faster rate. People needed efficient means of
transportation to trade more goods and cover a larger distance. Machines that required
animals to operate must thus be upgraded. Faster and easier means to communicate and
compute should be developed to establish connections between and among nations. All
these needs resulted in the development of industries. However, due to massive
industrialization, the modern times again faced more complicated problems. Food
processing and medicine posed some of the bigger challenges since health was of great
concern.

❏ PASTEURIZATION
As people were able to develop better means of production to meet the needs
of the population, food preservation and food safety became an issue. The challenge
to keep manufactured food from deteriorating was greater for dairy products,
especially milk, since they usually spoiled faster. These goods needed to be
consumed almost immediately after production, or they would cause illness like
diphtheria, food poisoning, and typhoid fever. Since transporting these products
would also take time, it would be impossible to trade them.
 Louis Pasteur, a French biologist, microbiologist and chemist, found a way
to solve the problem. He invented pasteurization, the process of heating dairy
products to kill the harmful bacteria that allow them to spoil faster. Through this
process, milk could be stored and consumed for a longer period. It also prevented
illnesses caused by harmful bacteria (Macalester College, 2010). Other contributions
of Pasteur to science, technology, and medicine included his works on molecular
asymmetry, fermentation, and vaccination.
❏ PETROLEUM REFINERY
The modern times demanded better means of powering homes and
transportation. At first, people used animal oils for generating light to illuminate their
homes. However, the production of animal oils could not keep up with the demand.
Faced with this concern, Samuel M. Kier was able to invent kerosene by refining
petroleum. Kerosene was later on referred to as the "illuminating oil" because it was
used at first to provide lighting to homes. After some time, it was applied for heating
purposes. The development of kerosene established the petroleum refinery industry
(Skrabec, 2010). At present, petroleum is widely used in powering automobiles,
factories, and power plants, among others.

❏ TELEPHONE
The more people got connected by trade and exploration, the more they
needed a way to easily maintain these connections and communicate with each
other in real time. Governments likewise needed some kind of communication
system which would allow them to administer their states well. Important day-to-day
decisions must be discussed and addressed at the fastest time possible. Thus, the
development of the telephone by Alexander Graham Bell was one of the most
important inventions at that time.

❏ CALCULATOR
Although an earlier version of the calculator had already been developed,
circumstances in the modern times required a faster way to compute more
complicated equations. Computing devices must also be easy to carry since they
would be utilized on a day-to-day basis. 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
Despite being considered a developing country, the Philippines also contributes
to the global advancement of science and technology. It is quite remarkable to note the
ingenuity of the Filipinos despite the lack of resources. The Philippines is known to be one
of the most vulnerable countries in terms of natural disasters. Many of the discoveries and
inventions made by the Filipinos were therefore built from indigenous materials or created to
adapt to the harsh tropical environment.

❏ SALAMANDER AMPHIBIOUS TRICYCLE

It has become ordinary for Filipinos to convert transport vehicles into
something more useful. An example is the conversion of American military jeeps
used in World War II into jeepneys. Another Filipino innovation is the addition of a
sidecar to a motorcycle, transforming it into a tricycle to accommodate more
passengers.
During the rainy season, flooding is a common occurrence in many areas in
the country. Tricycles find it very difficult to traverse the streets. To remedy the issue,
Victor Llave and his team at H20 Technologies were able to invent the
Salamander, an amphibious tricycle that can cross not only flooded streets but also
rivers and lakes. It may also be utilized to travel from island to island. Since the
 Philippines is an archipelago, the Salamander is a useful invention that has a lot of
potential.

❏ SALt LAMP
One of the major needs in the Philippines, as a developing nation, is
electrification. Electricity powers various types of machines, including light sources.
In many rural areas in the country, activities would cease when it gets dark. It also
becomes more dangerous to travel. Filipinos have resorted to using candles and
kerosene lamps but they carry certain risks as they are fire hazards. Solar power is
also a welcome development but like rechargeable batteries, solar panels are too
expensive for ordinary Filipinos. Fortunately, a young Filipina inventor named
Aisa Mijeno was able to invent a lighting system that utilizes a material abundant in
the Philippines- saltwater. She invented the Sustainable Alternative Lighting
(SALt) lamp, an environment-friendly light source that runs on saltwater. The SALt
lamp is safer as it poses no risk of fire and emits no toxic gases. Aside from people
who live in coastal areas, it may also benefit those from far-flung barrios because
they can make their own saltwater by mixing two tablespoons of salt and a glass of
tap water.

❏ MEDICAL INCUBATOR
A common problem in the Philippines is the high mortality rate of newborn
babies. One reason for this problem in the 20th century was the lack of available
incubators especially in far-flung rural areas due to lack of resources and electricity.
Dr. Fe del Mundo, a Filipino pediatrician and the first Asian woman admitted into
Harvard Medical School, devised a medical incubator made from indigenous and
cheap materials which did not run on electricity. Dr. del Mundo's incubator was made
by placing a native laundry basket inside a bigger one. Hot water bottles were
inserted between the baskets to provide warmth and a makeshift hood to allow
oxygen circulation. Its main purpose was to maintain conditions suitable for a
newborn, usually a pre-term baby. Other breakthroughs in Philippine medicine
attributed to Dr. del Mundo include her works on the immunization and treatment
of jaundice and the BRAT diet for curing diarrhea.

❏ MOSQUITO OVICIDAL/LARVICIDAL TRAP SYSTEM

Dengue, a mosquito-borne viral illness, is endemic in tropical and subtropical
areas, including the Philippines. This virus is usually transmitted by Aedes aegypti
mosquito, rampant during the rainy season. Insecticides were previously used to kill
the species. However, recent studies show that insecticide resistance has evolved in
some mosquito populations. Likewise, using insecticides is harmful not only to
humans but also to the environment. In 2010, the Department of Science and
Technology-Industrial Technology Development Institute Institute (DOST-ITDI)
was able to introduce the Mosquito Ovicidal/Larvicidal Trap System, also known
as OL Trap. This trap system is made of natural ingredients that are lethal to
mosquitos but safe for humans and the environment.

❏ E-JEEPNEY
A major innovation that changed the transportation industry in the Philippines
was the development of the jeepney. This iconic public utility vehicle was built using
the military jeeps left by the Americans after World War II. The chassis and the body
of the military jeeps were extended to accommodate more load and passengers.
Because of its usefulness, the jeepney dominated Philippine streets and is
considered as the primary mode of transportation of most Filipinos. However, the
diesel- powered jeepney produces large quantities of black smoke, and is usually a
 major contributor of noise pollution due to its primitive exhaust system. To
counter these disadvantages, the electric jeepney (eJeepney) was developed. This
modern type of transportation utilizes electricity instead of the more expensive diesel.
lt is environment-friendly since it does not emit any smoke and noise.

The items discussed in this chapter are only some of the great inventions and
developments during the different time periods. There are still more innovations and
discoveries that were made in the course of history that changed the world. Can you name
other great discoveries?

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I hope you read this learning material thoroughly and understand the significance of
Science and Technology in our Society with its inventions and discoveries.