Great inventions

Great inventions change the world. They help people live a better life. The following are three of the most important inventions in history.

The wheel

The wheel is perhaps the greatest invention in history. After its invention, travelling became faster and more comfortable. A few thousand years ago, people started to use wheels on carriages. In the early 19th century, the first trains began to carry passengers. At the start of the 20th century, cars became popular. Without the wheel, we would not have these inventions.

The telephone 

Alexander Graham Bell invented one of the first practical telephones in 1876. Since then, people have been able to speak to each other over long distances.  Today millions of people across the world own mobile phones. They allow people to keep in touch with each other anytime, anywhere.

The light bulb

Thomas Edison developed the first practical light bulb in 1879. Before the invention of the light bulb, people had to use oil lamps, gas lamps or candles to see at night. With light bulbs, people can do as many things in the evenings as they can in the daytime. Can you imagine living without them?

A pen giant

Do you know Laszlo Biro? Maybe you do not, but you probably use his invention every day, and you may even have it in your hand right now!

Biro (1899-1985) was the inventor of the ballpoint pen. He was born in Budapest, Hungary. In the 1930s, when he worked as a newspaper editor, he used a fountain pen almost everyday. However, he had to refill it all the time. The ink also did not dry easily, and it sometimes made a mess on the paper. Biro wanted a better pen. His brother, George, helped him develop a special ink. The ink dried easily. Then they developed a new type of pen.

There was a tiny ball at the tip of the pen. The ball rolled ink onto paper as it moved. They called it the “ballpoint” pen.

The ballpoint was a great success. Everyone loved it. Now millions of people use it all over the world everyday.

People will always remember Biro for his invention. Today in many English-speaking countries, people still use the word “biro” to refer to any kind of ballpoint pen.

The Kongming Lantern and the hot-air ballon

The Kongming Lantern is very popular all over Asia. It is a kind of paper lantern with a closed top and a small candle inside. The candle heats the air inside the lantern and makes it rise. People use the Kongming Lantern on important days and during festivals.

During the time of the Three Kingdoms, Zhuge Liang used such lanterns to give signals in battles. The Kongming Lantern led to the invention of the hot-air balloon.