Great South African Inventions
Introducing Great South African Inventions by Prof Mike Bruton • This fascinating book is a collection of the groundbreaking achievements of South African inventors and innovators from ancient to modern day. From the use of traditional plants to the latest developments in space and computer technology, explore a wide range of remarkable inventions that have shaped South Africa, Africa and the world. • This book looks at the fascinating lives of the inventors themselves, some of whom are Nobel Prize winners and the struggles they faced in achieving success. • Other contributions to science and astronomy include the South African Large Telescope (SALT), the largest optical/infrared telescope in the southern hemisphere and one of the five largest telescopes in the world. • This book reveals practical inventions such as the innovative Collapsible tow bar invented by Gerson Phosa and Sophia Tumelo from Phokeng Village near Rustenberg.
This fascinating book is a collection of the groundbreaking achievements of South African inventors and innovators from ancient to modern day. It explores a wide range of remarkable inventions that have shaped South Africa, Africa and the world. Intriguing South African inventions include remarkable devices and services that have improved the quality of life for people, saved thousands of lives, contributed to the advancement of science and astronomy, and made strides in industrial innovation. This book also explores the fascinating lives of the inventors themselves, some of whom are Nobel Prize winners and the struggles they faced in achieving success.
- a collection of the groundbreaking achievements of South African inventors and innovators from ancient to modern day From the use of traditional plants to the latest developments in space and computer technology, explore a wide range of remarkable inventions that have shaped South Africa, Africa and the world.
Table of Contents
- 1: Introduction - Invention
- Innovation
- Discovery
- Language
- Electricity and fire
- Natural inventions
- South African brands
- Beverages
- 2: Early inventions - Fire and tools
- Humans
- Sites and traps
- Early artworks
- Traditional plants
- Traditional food and drink
- Indigenous knowledge systems
- 3: Radio, radar and the Tellurometer - Radios
- Self-powered radios
- Mobile phone chargers
- Torches and lanterns
- Radar transmitters
- Tellurometer
- 4: Medical inventions and innovations - Early inventions
- X-rays
- Other medical
- Rural healthcare
- 5: Industry and energy - Pratley products
- Dolos
- Energy
- Nuclear power
- Other industrial
- Smocking machines
- Transport
- Bicycles
- Other transport
- Military
- 6: Space and computer technology – Space programme
- Telescopes
- Computer inventions
- 7: Home and garden – General
- Fireplaces
- Garden
- 8: Children and education – Safety
- Toys and games
- 9: Food, farming and the environment - Modern day food brands
- Other brands
- Farming
- Rural and environmental
- 10: Sport and leisure – General
- Fishing
- Water sports
- Other sports
- Musical instruments
- 11: Other inventions and innovations
- Prayer chair
- Jaws Adjustable Candle Holder
- Matrixrap
- Mobi-morgue
- Ergo-Tilt
- Corrugated furniture
- 12: Conclusion
- Glossary.
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