Throughout history, people have imagined and then created new things to make their lives better, easier and more enjoyable. From the wheel to penicillin to the computer, inventions continue to change the way we live. The aim of the series, ‘Inventions and Inventors’, is to introduce you to the amazing world of inventions… learn about famous inventors, explore everyday inventions and discover the thrill of creating…

REFRIGERATOR

The first method of refrigeration was invented in 1748 by William Cullen of the University of Glasgow, Scotland. The American inventor Oliver Evans designed the first refrigeration machine in 1805. In 1844, John Gorrie, an American doctor from Florida made a device based on Evans’ invention that would make ice in order to cool the air for yellow fever patients.

The first electric refrigerator was invented in 1803 by Thomas Moore. The first commercial refrigerators designed to keep food cold were sold in 1911 by the General Electric Company. This model consisted of a unit that was mounted on top of an ice box.

RUBBER BAND

The first rubber band was made in 1845 by Stephen Perry of the rubber manufacturing company Messrs Perry and Co. in London, England. This rubber band was made of vulcanized rubber. Perry invented the rubber band to hold papers or envelopes together.