For many centuries, scientific discoveries and technical inventions were more often associated with the names of men. However, there are many examples in history where important and useful ideas belonged to women. Many of their developments are still used in science, medicine, and everyday life.
We tell about several inventions that emerged thanks to women.
Planisphere and Improvement of the Astrolabe
The ancient scholar Hypatia of Alexandria made a significant contribution to the development of science. She is credited with the creation or improvement of several scientific instruments, including the hydrometer — a device for measuring the density of liquids — and the planisphere, a flat map of the night sky.
She also refined the astronomical instrument astrolabe, which was used to determine the position of celestial bodies.
Periscope
According to one historical version, a device resembling a periscope for submarines was patented by American Sarah Mather in the 19th century. The device allowed observation of objects on the water's surface while remaining submerged.
There is also an earlier version of the origin of such devices — prototypes of observational instruments were known as far back as the 15th century.
Improvement of Canned Meat Technology
The problem of long-term food storage remained relevant for a long time. One of the first to develop canning was French chef Nicolas Appert.
Later, the technology was improved by Nadezhda Kozhina, who demonstrated a new method of preparing canned meat at the World Exhibition in Vienna in 1873 and received a gold medal for her development.
First Snowplow
In the late 19th century, American Cynthia Westover proposed one of the early designs of a mechanical snowplow. Her development became one of the prototypes of devices that were later used for clearing streets of snow.
Dishwasher
The invention that today significantly eases household tasks belongs to American Josephine Cochrane.
She developed the dishwasher after noticing that expensive china was often damaged during manual washing. The device allowed for efficient cleaning of dishes while simultaneously protecting fragile items.
Initially, the invention was used in restaurants and hotels, but over time it became common in home kitchens.
Hair Straightening Product
Entrepreneur Sarah Walker created one of the first hair straightening products and became one of the first female millionaires in the beauty industry. Her development marked an important milestone in the evolution of the cosmetics industry and hair care products.
Production of Penicillin
Microbiologist Zinaida Ermolyeva played an important role in the development of antibiotics. In 1942, she obtained one of the first samples of penicillin and actively worked on its industrial production.
The development of antibiotics became one of the greatest medical breakthroughs of the 20th century and saved millions of lives.
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