The Spanish invention

The history of invention is one of humanity’s most fascinating narratives. From the wheel to the mobile phone, innovation has reshaped the world we live in. Spain has also played a significant role in this narrative, with many notable inventors who have created some of history’s most creative and revolutional  ideas.

In this article, we’ll take a look at some of Spain’s standout inventors, their contributions, and the impact of their inventions. From the submarine to the creation of the mop, Spain has been the birthplace of some of history’s most significant innovations.

The Telekino

The Tortoise

Another Spanish inventor who made an indelible mark in history is Francisco de la Roche, who created the first submarine in 1535. Known as The Tortoise, this submarine was designed for naval siege, although it was never used in war. Despite its limitations, it was a significant milestone in the history of navigation.

The structure of nervous system

In the field of medicine, Santiago Ramón y Cajal stood out, receiving the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1906 for his research on the structure of the nervous system. His research and theories on brain plasticity are still used today to understand how the human brain functions.

The disposable syringe

Invented by Spanish doctor Manuel Jalón Corominas in 1972, the disposable syringe represented a major advancement in infection prevention and safety in the medical field.

The astronautical suit

Another notable Spanish inventor was Emilio Herrera Linares, who invented the astronautical suit, a spacesuit that allowed astronauts to survive in the stratosphere. The suit was designed to protect astronauts from low pressure and extreme cold, and it was first used in 1935 by Herrera himself on a balloon flight.

The mop

Another Spanish invention that has had a significant impact on society is the mop, invented by Manuel Jalón Corominas in 1956. This invention has revolutionised how people clean their homes and has made the cleaning process much easier and more efficient.

The pencil sharpener

The pencil sharpener! It’s such a common invention, but we often overlook its importance. Ignacio Urresti, with his design for the El Caso company in 1945, really improved the initial model and made it more accessible and easy to use. It’s interesting how inspiration can come from unexpected places, right?

The eBook

Born in Galicia, Ángela Ruiz Robles was one of the first Spanish inventors. Her most outstanding invention was the ‘Mechanical Electronic Book,’ a device that allowed reading books electronically. This invention is considered a precursor to the modern eBook.

The autogyro

Juan de la Cierva, an aeronautical engineer from Murcia, was the inventor of the autogyro, an aircraft that combined the characteristics of a helicopter and an airplane. This invention improved air transport and was used in World War II.

The PCR

Margarita Salas, a biochemist from Asturias, was the first Spanish woman to receive the Santiago Ramón y Cajal National Research Award. Her most outstanding contribution was the invention of a technique for DNA replication, known as PCR. This technique has been essential for research in genetics and molecular biology.

The Chupa-Chups (or Lolly Pops)

Imagine a world where children enjoy their favorite candies without getting their hands dirty. That’s exactly what Enric Bernat made possible with his ingenious invention, the Chupa-Chups! In 1958, Bernat thought of a fun and practical way to enjoy sweets, with a stick! And thus was born the Chupa-Chups, the candy you can savor without worrying about sticky fingers.

The electric submarine

Finally, we highlight the figure of another Murcian, Isaac Peral, who designed and built the first electric submarine in history in 1888. The submarine, called Peral, was used by the Spanish Navy and was one of the first submarines to use an electric motor instead of an internal combustion

As you can see, Spanish inventors have made their mark in different fields such as technology, science, and engineering. Their inventions have had significant repercussions in history and in our days, and they continue to be recognized and valued worldwide.

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