From the excitement of Newton's historic discovery of the laws of gravity to the more recent creation of Teflon, this fascinating book illuminates an amazing variety of inventions, as well as the moments of inspiration (and sometimes perspiration) behind them.

Everyday life and health -- Pendulum -- Theory of gravity -- Cotton gin -- Vaccination -- Ready-made buildings -- Cereal -- Vacuum cleaner -- Frozen food -- Antibiotics -- Nylon -- Teflon -- Microwave oven -- DNA fingerprinting -- Sequencing the cancer gene -- Getting around -- Hot-air balloon -- Safety elevator -- Stump-jump plow -- Powered flight -- Hovercraft -- Lenses and light -- Telescope -- Photography -- Polaroid -- Electricity -- Lightning conductor -- Electrical battery -- Telephone -- Lightbulb -- Telephone exchange -- Radio -- Television -- 5: Patience and planning -- "Real" McCoy -- Sound recording -- The safety bicycle -- Video games -- Walkman -- Internet.