Technological developments
The modern world didn't arrive overnight - in fact, the world has been getting modern ever since it was still ancient. Make sense of it with our experts:
A calculated victory
The ability to shift and analyse data has always been crucial in warfare - in the Second World War, that process became mechanised for the first time. It was the birth of modern computing.
Raising the roof
The dome of Florence Cathedral is one of the greatest monuments of the Renaissance. Six centuries on, we're coming to appreciate the beauty of the dome.
Working with iron and steel
It was innovations in raw materials that turned industry into revolution. There can be no heavy industry without quality iron and steel.
Tanning by gaslight
By extending the working day, artificial light increased output and drove industry towards 24-hour production, lighting the Industrial Revolution.
Tree to tyre
Brought to Europe from the midst of the Brazilian rainforests, the wheels of industrial change were based on rubber.
On the hour
New machines - and transport between cities - needed proper regulation. Industrialisation changed forever the way we see time.
Construction time again
One of the many advances the new techniques with iron and steel allowed was the construction of different types of bridges and buildings.
Those who also crystalize
Inventing the bits that make new technology visible, the LCD, was a team effort. Meet the unsung heroes.
Colour me impressed
Find out how an 18-year-old English chemist's accidental discovery led to the birth of synthetic dyeing.
Early developments
The discovery of light sensitive chemicals was a huge step in photographic history.
Arthur C Clarke: an appreciation
Much more than a sci-fi writer: Dave Rothery pays tribute to Arthur C Clarke.
Content last updated: 22/02/2006
