Age of Invention, by Anton Howes

Age of Invention, authored by Anton Howes, explores the rich tapestry of the history of innovation, focusing on how historical inaccuracies, myths, and the replication crisis affect our understanding of the past. It delves into specific cases of technological advancements, industry influences, the role of unsung materials in societal shifts, and the broader implications of ethics in public history discourse.

History of Innovation Historical Accuracy and Myths Technological Advancements Industrial Espionage Economic and Environmental Impacts of Industry Public History Ethics Historical Replication Crisis

The hottest Substack posts of Age of Invention, by Anton Howes

And their main takeaways

Age of Invention: The Second Soul, Part I

1281 implied HN points • 08 Mar 24
💾 History Europe Taxes Geography Society
  1. Salt was a crucial product in the past, impacting agriculture, food preservation, and even the economy of various regions.
  2. The control and taxation of salt played a significant role in the rise and fall of empires and states, showcasing the power dynamics associated with this essential commodity.
  3. Different geographical factors influenced the success of salt taxes, with regions like north-west Europe reaping the most rewards from this practice.

Age of Invention: Unsung Materials

1072 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
💾 History Industrial Revolution Inventions Materials Patents
  1. The history of various industries from the period 1550-1650 is often overlooked.
  2. There were significant advancements in industries like iron, stockings and silk, saltpetre, glass, brass, and manure during this time.
  3. Exploring the development of these industries can provide insights into key historical innovations and societal changes.
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Age of Invention: Lessons from the Rise of Coal

1201 implied HN points • 25 Oct 23
💾 History Industrial Revolution
  1. The transition to coal started by finding ways to exploit cheaper coals, leading to innovations like coal-fuelled salt pans.
  2. Lime, often overlooked by economic historians, had a significant impact on agriculture and productivity.
  3. Coal's impact on agriculture increased the availability of grain, resulting in an abundance of muscle power for various industrial tasks.

Age of Invention: Open History

1313 implied HN points • 22 Sep 23
💾 History Accuracy
  1. History doesn't always self-correct quickly, with myths and false facts persisting for decades.
  2. Retractions do happen in history, showing some correction in the field.
  3. Openness in history, like 'Open History' initiatives, can help correct the record and benefit historians.

Age of Invention: How to Steal Technology

1040 implied HN points • 10 Oct 23
💾 History Espionage Industrial Revolution Innovation
  1. John Holker was a master of industrial espionage, using his skills to steal British textile technologies for the French government in the 18th century.
  2. Britain was already a leader in European technological development in the 1710s, with industries like iron founding, clock-making, and sailcloth-making.
  3. Holker not only stole technology, but also set up a system to adapt and spread the skills in France, leading to the success of introducing cotton velvet manufacture.

Age of Invention: Cort Case

1297 implied HN points • 07 Jul 23
💾 History Inventions Industrial Revolution Research Narrative
  1. Henry Cort, a key figure in the British Industrial Revolution, may have stolen iron-making improvements from enslaved Jamaican metallurgists.
  2. The origin of Cort's inventions is still debated, with limited evidence to prove the claims made by Jenny Bulstrode in an academic paper.
  3. The narrative presented by Bulstrode requires multiple unproven assumptions and lacks concrete evidence.

Age of Invention: Cash Cows

1008 implied HN points • 10 Aug 23
💾 History Industrial Revolution Innovation Agriculture Optimization
  1. Robert Bakewell had an 'improving mentality' when it came to breeding animals, focusing on optimizing profit and efficiency.
  2. Bakewell selectively bred cows and sheep to maximize valuable meat and minimize feeding costs.
  3. The improving mentality led Bakewell to continuously optimize all aspects of his farm, from animal breeding to farm layout and operations.

Age of Invention: The Mountain of the Copper King

944 implied HN points • 28 Jul 23
💾 History Industrial Revolution
  1. Anglesey's Parys Mountain was rich in copper that influenced British economy and naval technology
  2. Thomas Williams, an attorney and Copper King, controlled copper mining in Anglesey and Cornwall
  3. The mining operations at Parys Mountain in 1780 were fascinating but led to environmental degradation

Age of Invention: Freight Expectations

736 implied HN points • 23 Jun 23
🕹 Technology Transportation Infrastructure Energy History Innovation
  1. Transport infrastructure plays a key role in boosting economic growth by providing access to energy and markets.
  2. Historically, the primary focus of early transport infrastructure like canals and railways was to transport goods, especially coal and grain.
  3. While passenger transportation is beneficial for connecting cities and improving labor market efficiency, access to energy and markets are more crucial for economic growth.

Age of Invention: How the Steam Engine was Invented

784 implied HN points • 08 Jun 23
💾 History Invention Experimentation
  1. Steam engine development had a longer and more complex history than traditionally believed.
  2. The concept of vacuums and atmospheric pressure were being utilized much earlier than commonly thought.
  3. Inventions often come from a series of small steps and discoveries over time, rather than sudden breakthroughs.

Age of Invention: The Industrial Romantics

752 implied HN points • 27 Apr 23
💾 History Industrialization Innovation Infrastructure Medicine
  1. Samuel More's passion for industry made him an industrial romantic who found awe in technological advancements.
  2. The West Midlands flourished and grew due to improvements in medicine, iron, ceramics, and new transportation infrastructure like roads, railways, and canals.
  3. Technology and infrastructure created an extraordinary boom in the West Midlands during a time of trade interruption from the American Revolution.