I learned about four inventions this week and they were the safety elevator, the syringe, the bessemer process, and the egg beater. First, I learned about the safety elevator. Elisha Otis, born in Vermont in 1811, built a grist mill and also opened his own business but it failed. The cab is lifted by steel cable and balanced with counter weight and uses a backup ratchet system just in case if the cable snaps. Otis’s safety elevator made skyscrapers possible and architects are free to unleash their creativity now.

Second, I learned about the syringe. Alexander Wood, born in Scotland in 1817, attained medical degree at Edinburgh and used morphine to treat patients. A syringe is a medical tool that is used to inject medication or take fluid out of your body and can also be used outside of the medical industry. Syringes improve control of diabetes and increased safety of anesthesia.

Third, I learned about the bessemer process. Henry Bessemer, born in England in 1813, was a creative inventor, like his dad, and grew interested in weapons due to the Crimean War. The bessemer process converts pig iron into steel. It forces hot air through molten iron to remove impurities and makes large-scale steel production achievable. The railroad industry became more efficient and made steel and concrete together possible.

Finally, I learned about the egg beater. Ancient Egyptians invented a baking oven and grew from family to profession in Rome. The mixer was invented in 1856 by Ralph Collier. The egg beater is a kitchen mixer and can be a handheld device that makes mixing ingredients much easier. Commercial bakers could produce large batches and easily purchase rolls, muffins, and cakes in a store.