10 Things You Didn’t Know Women Invented!
International Women’s Day is March 8, so Soroptimist International of Borrego Springs member, Anne W., did a little research to share and celebrate women inventors and inventions by women!
Here are 10 Things You Didn’t Know Women Invented!
1. Monopoly
Monopoly was originally invented to expose injustice
This popular board game was designed by Elizabeth Maggie in 1904, originally called the Landlord’s Game. The purpose of this game was to expose the injustices of unchecked capitalism.
Her game was ripped off by Charles Darrow who sold it to Parker Brother’s 30 years later. However, Parker Brothers later paid Elizabeth $500 for her game.
2. The Car Heater
Brrrr! Thanks for keeping our hands warm on those chilly mornings!
Cold hands, warm hearts, though! We all owe our thanks to Margaret A. Wilcox who invented the car heater in 1893! Margaret also invented a combined clothes and dishwasher.
3. The Life Raft
The lifesaving Life Raft was invented by Maria Beasely in 1882
The lifesaving Life Raft was invented by Maria Beasely in 1882. Maria also invented a machine that makes barrels, as well.
4. Residential Solar Heating
Solar heating for residential housing was invented by Dr. Maria Telkes in 1947
Solar heating for residential housing was invented by Dr. Maria Telkes in 1947. Dr. Telkes was a Psychiatrist in addition to being a Solar-Power Pioneer.
5. The Computer Algorithm
Her ideas and notes were an essential key to helping Alan Turing’s work on the first modern computers in the 1940’s
Ada Lovelace is essentially the first computer programmer due to her work with Charles Babbage at the University of London in 1842. In fact, her ideas and notes were an essential key to helping Alan Turing’s work on the first modern computers in the 1940’s. His work is now being recognized as one of the critical programs that helped the world defeat Hitler and the Nazi’s.
6. Wireless Transmission Technology
Yes, this means Wi-Fi!
Hedy Lamarr, a world famous film star, invented a secret communications system during World War II for radio-controlling torpedoes. This technology also paved the way for everything from GPS to even the Wi-Fi you are probably using right now!
7. Closed-Circuit Television Security (CCTV)
Ms. Brown’s invention was created in response of the lack of assistance of police officers in 1969 to help people ensure their own security
Marie Van Brittan Brown invented CCTV because of the slow response of police officers in 1969 to help people ensure their own security. This invention influenced modern CCTV systems used for home security and police work today.
8. Kevlar
Five times stronger than steel!
This life-saving material was invented by Stephanie Kwolek, in 1965. It is five times stronger than steel and used to make bulletproof vests.
9. The First User-Friendly Software Ever
Also coined the term “bug”, in reference to a glitch in a computer system
Dr. Grace Murray Hopper was a computer scientist that invented COBOL which is the first user-friendly business computer software system in the 1940’s.
She was also a rear admiral in the U.S. Navy and the first person to use the term “bug” in reference to a glitch in a computer system when she literally found a bug (moth) causing problems with her computer!
10. Telecommunications Technology
So now go call your mother…
Some of the Telecommunication Technology developed by Dr. Shirley Jackson include: the portable fax, touch tone telephone, solar cells, fiber optic cables, and the technology behind caller ID and call waiting.