Week 4 History Essay

             The four inventions that I learned about this week are portland cement, electromagnets, the passenger rail, and matches. Portland cement was invented by Joseph Aspdin in England in the mid 19th century. It is an ingredient used in concrete, mortar, stucco, and grout that is made from heating limestone and clay and grinding it into a powder. Portland cement made it possible to create a strong and cheap material like concrete. Portland cement is still used today. Second, I learned about electromagnets, which are made by taking a material, like iron, that is not a magnet normally, and turning it into a magnet by using electricity. It was invented by William Sturgeon, but Hans Christian Oersted discovered that electric current creates magnetic fields. It was discovered in Denmark, but William Sturgeon created it in England in 1824. People were now able to turn magnets on and off. They are used in moving heavy metal materials. They are also used in motors, generators, loudspeakers, scientific instruments et cetera. Next, I learned about the passenger rail, which is a type of train that carries people instead of just cargo. George Stevensin invented the passenger rail in Britain in the 1820s. It made transportation quicker and easier. People were now able to travel throughout the country much quicker. It helped America in the industrial revolution. Last, I learned about matches, which are wooden sticks with a tip that is made of a material that can be lit on fire. It was invented by John Walker in England in 1826. People were now able to make fires quicker. They are still very important today. Those are the four inventions that I learned about this week. Electromagnets were my favorite invention to learn about this week, because it is so cool that someone figure out you could turn a magnet on and off.