Unbelievable Inventions and Discoveries from 100 Years Ago

As time marches forward, humans continue to discover and create marvels that often leave us in awe. However, the inventions and discoveries that captivated our grandparents and great-grandparents might still be considered mundane to us. But what if we took a step back in time and considered what they would find unbelievable today?

Imagining the Future: What They Might Think is Obvious

It's easy to dismiss the progress made in the last century, but for those living 100 years ago, the advancements in technology might seem obvious to them now. Let's explore some of these inventions and discoveries that might have been seen as unimpressive or overlooked in their time:

Social anthropologist John, who spent time with a primitive tribe, was surprised that they dismissed the idea of flying machines. When asked about airplanes, which were a common sight in his era, he was told that it was obvious they would slide on wires. This dismissal points to a common tendency to believe that we are at the pinnacle of human achievement, and anything beyond that is impossible.

The Computing Revolution

Computing and information technology have been at the forefront of modern-day innovation. However, even the most advanced computing devices of today might not have been seen as particularly stunning to those in the early 20th century. Many of the predictions made about the future were more prescient than we might realize. For instance, it was commonly envisioned that we would have:

A space station using centrifugal force to generate gravity—likely much larger and more sophisticated than the International Space Station (ISS). A moon base, supporting human life and exploration. Jet cars capable of both driving and flying, with better autonomy than current models. Hoverboards from Back to the Future II, not the simple and risky balance boards that are more accurately described as such.

These predictions, while certainly imaginative, were not entirely out of reach given the progress in science and technology at the time. The idea of personal computers, smartphones, and video streaming services were familiar concepts even to those 100 years ago. What is surprising is that we have made such substantial progress in areas like artificial intelligence and space exploration.

The Brilliance of Blue LEDs

Beyond the advancements in computing and transportation, there were other breakthroughs that may seem commonplace to us now but were highly advanced and groundbreaking when they were first introduced. Take, for instance, the development of blue LEDs. For a long time, scientists believed it would be impossible to create LEDs that emit blue light, as there was no material with the appropriate electronic bandgap. Red and yellow LEDs were relatively common, but blue was a mystery. This misconception was debunked by the work of researchers Isamu Akasaki, Hiroshi Amano, and Shuji Nakamura, who were awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2014 for their contributions to the development of blue LEDs.

Underpinnings of Electromagnetism and Radio

The foundational work in electromagnetism and radio has enabled many of the advancements we take for granted today. The telegraph, which allowed for the transmission of information at a significant distance, was a significant step toward the creation of the internet. Many visionary thinkers of the time were optimistic about the potential of such technologies, predicting, for example, affordable personal aircraft and better computing devices.

Other Discoveries That Seemed Impossible Until They Were Not

There are several other discoveries and inventions from the past that seem impossible today. These include:

Sonar, which uses sound waves to detect objects underwater, is a remarkable innovation. The brilliance behind its application in underwater navigation and communication is truly inspiring. Penicillin and other antibiotics, which are derived from bacteria and mold, offer a cure for many diseases. These discoveries have dramatically reduced human suffering and mortality rates. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines, which provide a non-invasive way to see inside the human body, are far superior to X-rays for certain medical conditions.

Each of these discoveries has transformed our understanding of the world and our ability to solve complex problems. The journey from skepticism to acceptance has been remarkable. The field of science, from electromagnetism to biotechnology, continues to evolve, and who knows what marvels will become commonplace in the next 100 years?