"An introduction to inventions and discoveries from ancient to modern times, including how they were developed and their effects on society. Features include fact boxes, illustrations, period photographs, a timeline, a glossary, and a list of recommended books and websites"--Provided by publisher.

Introducing Inventions and discoveries -- Why people invent -- Early inventions -- Inventors in Ancient Greece -- The spread of knowledge -- Inventions at sea -- The age of ideas -- Discoveries in astronomy -- Newton and a New World -- The industrial revolution -- Steam on water, steam on rails -- Machines on the farm -- Electric power switches on -- Communication speeds up -- Capturing images and motion -- The great inventor -- People on wheels -- Medical progress -- Radio makes waves -- The television age -- Flying high -- Computers -- The internet -- The history of inventions and discoveries.