Gallery: 14 Tools That Changed the Way We Live
Smithsonian01ChopperNHB2013-02228
The chopper is one of the first known tools used by humans. Archeologists believe they were used more than 2 million years ago as a multi-purpose tool.
Apple02iphone1
The iPhone, a modern-day multi-tool.
Smithsonian03Time-ball3
Women used this time ball to keep track of important events.
Smithsonian04Snow-Goggles
These snow goggles made by Alaskan Iñupiat were worn to reduce the amount of sunlight that hit the eyes during bright but snowy springs. They also acted like glasses, enhancing the wearer's long distance vision.
Smithsonian05microscope
This microscope, created by Charles A. Spencer in the mid 1800s was among the first american produced microscopes.
Smithsonian06StickNavigationChart1
This stick navigation chart is like an all-in-one map of oceanic knowledge. It shows currents, islands and navigation routes. The mariners would memorize the charts before they left for a trip.
Smithsonian07MorseCode Alphabet
Morse Code is an international language made up of dots and dashes.
Smithsonian08Obsidian-scalpel
This obsidian scalpel was made in 2013, but it could've just as easily been made thousands of years ago.
Smithsonian09Cuneiform-Clay-TabletNHB2013-02222
People would inscribe symbols into this Babylonian clay tablet while it was semi-hardened.
Smithsonian10Tellatouch-Braille-keyboard4
The Tellatouch Braille typewriter allowed sighted and blind people to communicate.
Smithsonian11ClothesPin-PatentModel-by-David-M
The clothes pin is maybe not the best example of life-changing design, but this patent model signifies an important system in the world of inventions.
Smithsonian12census
A pictorial census from the Oglala Lakota chief. Each person is drawn according to his name.
Smithsonian13Penicillin-Culture-Vessel2
The penicillin culture vessel.
