I learned about two inventions and two inventors this week. The inventions are gas lighting and the screw cutting lathe. The inventors’ names are Benjamin Thompson and William Murdoch. First, I learned about Benjamin Thompson. He was born in Massachusetts and experimented with heat. He also experimented with cannons and gunpowder. He improved chimneys, fireplaces, and Ruford’s soup. Second, I learned about gas lighting. Gas lights provide illumination all night. Worker output increased as production rates rose. Third, I learned about William Murdoch. He was born in 1754 and worked for James Watt. Murdoch invented many things such as gas lighting and also improved the Watt’s steam engine. Last, I learned about screw cutting lathe. The new machine tool cuts screws with high precision. The division of labor made screws cheaper.