Chapter 1: Historical Antecedents in the history and culture so they could establish their

Course of Science and Technology identities as they tried to relate with other
cultures and civilizations.
Science and technology indeed play major
roles in the everyday life. They make difficult The increase in size and number of
and complicated tasks easier and allow people to nations connoted increased demand for food and
do more with so little effort and time. The other basic necessities. This condition also
developments in this field are not just products implied that people must be able to produce food
of people's imagination or a one-time thought at a given time and space since resources were
process; they are also brought about by gradual getting scarcer as more people struggled to
improvements to earlier works from different share the basic necessities. The people thus
time periods. The driving force behind this needed a form of technology that would enable
continuous progress is the desire to raise the them to increase food supplies and other survival
quality of life of the people. needs without them travelling more or working
harder.
ANCIENT TIMES
Weapons and armors were important as
In the ancient times, people were well in the discovery of new places or the
concerned with transportation and navigation, establishment of new alliances with other tribes.
communication and record keeping, mass At that time, there was always a risk of conflict
production, security, and protection, as well as when people met others with different culture
health, aesthetics, and architecture. and orientations. Conflicts were common
especially if different groups struggled to
Transportation was significant during
control vital resources. Stronger nations tended
that time because people were trying to go
to invade weaker ones so they could take much
places and discover new horizons. They travelled
needed resources. As such, the development of
to search for food and find better locations for
weapons and armors for security and protection
their settlements. They also travelled to trade
was considered a major achievement.
their surplus goods in exchange for things that
they lacked. Navigation assisted them in their A primary challenge they faced was the
journeys to unfamiliar and strange areas in the conservation of life. The early people might have
world. It allowed them to return home after been successful in harnessing the rich resources
they discovered new places or completed an that the world could provide, but their survival
important trade with another group of people. posed a great problem. Different illnesses and
diseases, both natural and man-made, hampered
Communication was also essential in their
the full potential of a human being. Given this
endeavors to discover and occupy new places.
predicament, science and technology played a
They needed a way to communicate with the
major role in the discovery of cures to, if not
natives of the areas they visited so as to
the prevention of, illnesses.
facilitate trade and prevent possible conflicts.
Record-keeping was also important since they Moreover, in order to integrate their
needed to remember the places they had been needs-for better transportation, establishment
to and document the trades they made with each of structures for protection from human attacks
other. It was also vital to keep records of their
and natural disasters, and construction of bigger as the Sumerians, Babylonians, and Egyptians. It
and stronger infrastructures-people ventured will continue to describe the gradual application
into what is now known as the field of of knowledge up to the contemporary time.
engineering. The development in this field
allowed humans to build structures that would SUMERIAN CIVILIZATION
address their specific needs and wants. Some of
Sumeria is located on the southernmost
the structures built during the ancient times
tip of ancient Mesopotamia. Sumerians are
still exist today and continually an awe people.
known for their high degree of cooperation with
The development in engineering also one another and their desire for great things.
ushered in the introduction of architecture. They are not contented with the basic things
Others might see architecture as a mere style, that life can offer. This desire pushed them to
but during the ancient times, elaborate develop many things connected with science and
architectural designs were signs of technological technology.
advancement of a particular civilization. In the
Cuneiform
generations to come, architecture would be
considered a status symbol among nations of how One of the major contributions of the
advanced their technology is. It may also Sumerians is the development of the first
establish the identity of a nation. writing system known as cuneiform. It is a
system that utilizes word pictures and triangular
The people were not contented on
symbols which are carved clay using wedge
beautifying only their infrastructures and
instruments and then left to dry. Cuneiform
surroundings. Being able to prolong life with the
allowed the Sumerians to keep records of things
mass production of food and advancement of
with great historical value or their everyday life.
medical technology, as well as raise the quality
of life by making complicated and difficult tasks Uruk City
easier, humans later on developed the technology
to improve how they look. They discovered that Another important contribution of the
people looked more visually presentable and Sumerians is the City of Uruk. It is a great
appealing by adding some features and wonder not only because it is considered to be
decorations in their body. the first true city in the world but also for the
way it was erected. There were no building
With all these in mind, one can conclude stones in the location of this city and lumber was
that the developments in science and technology, limited, making the construction a big challenge.
aside from affecting the lives of the people, The Sumerians were able to build the city using
were the results of many prior antecedents. Out only mud or clay from the river, which they
of necessity, people in ancient times were able mixed with reeds, producing sun-baked bricks-a
to discover and invent things that would impact true engineering feat. They used the bricks to
the lives of the modern people. make houses that protected them from the
harsh weather and to build a wall around the city
The following discussions will tackle the
that prevented wild animals and neighboring
different major technological advancements
raiders from entering.
during the ancient times, which include some of
the achievements of the early civilizations such
The Great Ziggurat of Ur Boats were used to carry large quantities of
products and were able to cover large distances.
Another engineering and architectural However, they wanted to discover faraway lands
feat of the Sumerians is the Great Ziggurat of to settle since the population was getting larger,
Ur. The ziggurat, also called the mountain of and boats were not enough to accommodate more
God, was built in the same manner that they people and products.
constructed the City of Uruk. Without much
building materials, the structure was They needed a mode of transportation that did
constructed using sun-baked bricks. The not require much human resource. Some sources
ziggurat served as the sacred place of their attribute to the Sumerians the invention of
chief god, where only their priests were allowed sailboats to address their increasing demands.
to enter. The temple showcases not only the Sailboats were essential in transportation and
elaborate and intricate Sumerian architecture trading as well as in fostering culture,
but also the remarkable technology used to build information, and technology.
it. As such, even until today, people still enjoy
and marvel at the preserved Great Ziggurat of Wheel
Ur.
In the latter part of their history, the
Irrigation and Dikes Sumerians were able to invent the wheel since
the specialized tools needed to create it were
As population increased, so did the demand for already available. The first wheels were not
food. The Sumerians were challenged to mass made for transportation but for farm work and
produce food items but the elements in the food processes. With the use of the wheel and
environment seemed uncooperative. It was axle, mass production was made easier. Farmers
difficult to get water from the rivers, thus they were able to mill grains with less effort in less
could not maintain farmlands. Some groups had time.
scarce water supply, while others had problems
with flooding caused by the river. As a solution The Plow
to this dilemma, the Sumerians created dikes
Another farm technology invented by the
and irrigation canals to bring water to farmlands
Mesopotamians is the plow. Humans evolved from
and at the same time control the flooding of the
being food gatherers to farm cultivators.
rivers. This method was considered as one of the
However, farmers needed a technology which
world's most beneficial engineering works.
would enable them to dig the ground where
Through the dikes and canals, the Sumerians
seeds would be planted. The plow was invented
were able to enjoy year-long farming and
to dig the earth in a faster pace. As the plow
harvesting, which increased their food
breaks the ground, the farmer would just drop
production.
the seeds and farm work would already be done.
Sailboats With this tool, farmers could cultivate larger
parcels of land faster, enabling them to mass
Another challenge to the Sumerians was produce food without taking so much effort and
transportation. At that time, the wheel was not time.
yet invented; the main mode of transportation
was through waterways such as rivers and seas. Roads
In order to facilitate faster and easier travel, would be enough to inspire awe to anyone. One
the Sumerians developed the first roads. With can imagine the thick greenery decorated by
this work, the flow of traffic became faster and beautiful flowers coming from different places
more organized. They made the roads with the in the garden and complicated design of the
same technology they used in making the sun- infrastructure. If the stories were true, the
baked bricks that they laid down on the ground. Hanging Gardens of Babylon may be considered
They later poured bitumen, a black sticky as one of the greatest engineering and
substance similar to asphalt, to smoothen the architectural achievements of the world that is
roads. The invention of roads was very useful almost impossible to replicate.
especially during the rainy season when traveling
in soft and muddy roads proved to be too EGYPTIAN CIVILIZATION
difficult.
Another early civilization famous for its legacy
BABYLONIAN CIVILIZATION is the Egyptian civilization located in North
Africa. Many stories tell about the engineering
Babylonian civilization emerged near the Tigris feats of the Egyptians especially regarding the
and Euphrates Rivers. The Babylonians were infrastructures established by the pharaohs.
great builders, engineers, and architects. One of Aside from engineering technology, the
their major contributions is the hanging gardens Egyptians have contributed other practical
of Babylon, one of the seven wonders of the things that the world now considers as essential
ancient world. It is thus safe to say that the pyramids are not
the only contribution of the Egyptian civilization
Hanging Gardens of Babylon to the modern world.

Today, people can only marvel at the beauty of Paper or Papyrus

the famous Hanging Gardens of Babylon from
stories of historians and paintings that made up One of the earlier contributions of Egyptian
portray the place. It was said to be a structure civilization was the paper or papyrus. Although
of layers upon layers of gardens that contained Egypt was not the first to develop a system of
several species of plants, trees, and vines. writing, they were able to make writing easier
According to legends, the great Babylonian King for the world. Before the Egyptian innovation,
Nebuchadnezzar II built the gardens for his clay tablets were used. However, safe-keeping
wife, Queen Amytis. However, no physical and transporting them were a major problem.
evidence has been found to prove the existence Clay tablets were very fragile, heavy, and
of the Hanging Gardens of Babylon. Its exact delicate to handle. So, bringing them to places
location is also unknown. Since time immemorial, was a major challenge. Hence, the Egyptian
people have been debating about the existence invention of the paper or papyrus was a welcome
of the said mythical place. Many said it was just development. Papyrus was a plant that grew
a product of the creative imagination of the abundantly along the Nile River in Egypt. They
great King because it lacked documentation or were able to process the plant in order to
archaeological evidence. On the other hand, if it produce thin sheets on which one could write
really existed, it must have been destroyed by down things. Since papyrus was lighter and
war, erosion, or an earthquake. True or not, thinner than clay tablets, it was easy to carry
hearing the stories and description of the place and store. The sheets were also less breakable
as compared to clay tablets. This invention was a Cosmetics
major accomplishment in Egyptian record-
keeping and communications. People then were The Egyptians also invented the use of
able to send letters or correspondences cosmetics. Although cosmetics in the modern
anywhere in the world since the pieces of paper times are used to improve and highlight the
were very light that they could be carried and facial features of a person, their function in
delivered by birds. Moreover, record-keeping ancient Egypt was for both health and aesthetic
was no longer a problem since documents would reasons. Egyptians wore Kohl around the eyes to
not take huge storage spaces. Therefore, it was prevent and even cure eye diseases. Kohl was
easier to keep them away from raiders who created by mixing soot or malachite with mineral
often destroyed records of the nations they galena. Egyptians also believed that a person
invaded. wearing make-up was protected from evil and
that beauty was a sign of holiness. At present,
Ink the cosmetic industry is a booming multibillion
industry.
When the Egyptians invented the papyrus or the
paper, engraving ceased to be used in writing. As Wig
a result, the Egyptians invented ink by combining
soot with different chemicals to produce inks of Another cosmetic invention of ancient Egyptians
different colors. The ink must withstand the is the wig. At present, wigs are used to enhance
elements of nature since it was used to record the appearance of people who are balding or
history, culture, and codified laws. It must also those who want to try new hair trends.
be tamper-proof so that people could not simply Meanwhile, during the ancient Egyptian times,
tinker with those written down by authorities. wigs were worn for health and wellness rather
than for aesthetic purposes. The wigs were used
Hieroglyphics to protect the shaved heads of the wealthy
Egyptians from the harmful rays of the sun.
Like the Sumerians, the Egyptians also developed Wearing a wig was better than putting on a scarf
a system of writing using symbols, known as or any other head cover since a wig allowed heat
hieroglyphics. Although some say that to escape. Moreover, it was considered cleaner
hieroglyphics was adapted from the early writing than natural hair because it prevented the
system established in Mesopotamia as a result of accumulation of head lice.
trade between civilizations, the Egyptians
believed that this writing system was provided Water Clock/Clepsydra
to them by their gods. This form of writing can
still be seen today and remains to be as famous Another important ancient Egyptian contribution
as the pyramids where they were found. is the water clock. This device utilizes gravity
Hieroglyphics was the language that tells the that affects the flow of water from one vessel
modern world of the history and culture of the to the other. The amount of water (or its height,
ancient Egyptians. Their records were well- depending on the method used) remaining in the
preserved since they were carved at the walls of device determines how much time has elapsed
pyramids and other important Egyptian since it is full. In the process, time is measured.
structures. The water clock was widely used as a
timekeeping device during the ancient times.
GREEK CIVILIZATION made possible by the use of watermills, the mass
production of rice, cereals, flours, and the like
Greece is an archipelago in the southeastern became common. Watermills were considered
part of Europe. Known as the birthplace of better than mills powered by farm animals
western philosophy, some of the major because they required less effort and time to
achievements of the Greeks include in-depth operate since the farmer did not have to raise
works on philosophy and mathematics. More than animals. They only required access to rivers or
coliseums and the Olympics, the Greek flowing water where a mechanism of a large
civilization has contributed much to the world wheel with small "buckets" of water attached to
especially in the fields of science and it could be installed.
technology.

Alarm Clock
ROMAN CIVILIZATION
One of the most utilized gadgets today that was
invented by the ancient Greeks is the alarm The Roman Empire was perceived to be the
clock. Although the alarm clock during that time strongest political and social entity in the west.
did not resemble the present-day alarm clock, It was considered to be the cradle of politics
the purpose was just the same to tell an and governance during that period. Because the
individual when to stop or when to start. The Roman Empire was so large, other civilizations
ancient Greek's alarm clocks used large, looked up to it as their model in terms of
complicated mechanisms to time the alarm. They legislation and codified laws. Aside from their
made use of water (or sometimes small stones or contributions in politics, a lot of discoveries and
sand) that dropped into drums which sounded inventions still relevant today can be attributed
the alarm. Plato was believed to have utilized an to the Roman Empire.
alarm clock to signal the start of his lecture. His
version used four water vessels lined up Newspaper
vertically. The upper vessel supplied the water
One of the major contributions of the Romans is
which dropped to the vessel below it, which was
the newspaper. The first newspapers, known as
set to be filled in a given time. After it was full,
gazettes, contained announcements of the
water was siphoned off at a faster rate into the
Roman Empire to the people. Made before the
third vessel which would cause the expulsion of
invention of paper, these gazettes were
contained air, creating a whistling noise.
engraved in metal or stone tablets and then
Afterwards, this vessel would empty towards
publicly displayed. When paper was invented, it
the bottom vessel for storage and reuse.
became easier for the Romans to "publish"
Water Mill matters that needed the attention of the Roman
citizens. In fact, with the advent of paper,
Watermills were also considered as one of the minutes of the proceedings of the Roman senate
most important contributions of the Greek were done in shorthand. These documents were
civilization to the world. They were commonly edited and published on the same day that they
used in agricultural processes like milling of were recorded. This way, the Romans enjoyed
grains which was a necessary form of food easy access to government information the same
processing during that time. Because milling was way we benefit from present-day newspapers.
Bound Books or Codex large churches (cathedrals and basilicas),
aqueducts, coliseums, amphitheaters, and even
With the invention of paper, it became easier residential houses. The quality of these majestic
for civilizations to write down everything that Roman structures can be seen by the way they
happened in their time. Record-keeping was much withstood time and the harsh elements of the
easier since paper did not easily break, was environment. Today, people of the world still
lightweight, and did not occupy much space. As a enjoy these marvels. These structures are
result, civilizations became fond of record- proofs of ancient Roman technology.
keeping, especially documenting historical events
and newly legislated laws. Aside from Romans
writing down information about history and
politics, literature also changed form from clay
tablets to parchments of paper. According to
Roman Numerals
sources, Julius Caesar started the tradition of
stacking up papyrus to form pages of a book. Although other number systems had already
Later on, they were able to provide covers to been established before the Roman numeral,
protect the on papyrus. The earlier covers were these old systems could not keep up with high
made of wax but were latera replaced by animal calculation requirements due to the increasing
skin which proved to be stronger and longer rate of communication and trade among nations.
lasting. With the papyrus pages bound together Since the Roman Empire was expanding, it had to
and covered by animal skin, the ancient Roman deal with many nations to maintain its power. For
Empire was able to produce the first books or this the Romans devised their own number
codex. system specifically to address the need for a
standard counting method that would meet their
Roman Architecture
increasing communication and trade concerns.
Roman architecture is one of the most visual Although the Roman numeral is no longer widely
contributions of the ancient Roman Empire to used today due to its inherent limitations, quite
the world. Roman architecture was considered a a number of enthusiasts would still use it over
continuation of Greek architecture, hence, the other more popular number systems, like the
resemblance. However, Roman architecture was Hindu-Arabic system, due to its aesthetic and
still regarded as pioneering since the Romans historical value.
were able to adapt new building and engineering
CHINESE CIVILIZATION
technology on architectural designs established
in the past. In this manner, they were able to The Chinese civilization is considered to be the
preserve great and elaborate architectural oldest civilization in Asia, if not the world. Also
designs because they could produce sturdier and known as the middle kingdom, China is located on
stronger infrastructures. The Romans were also the far east of Asia. It was famous among other
able to creatively redesign old architectural ancient civilizations because of its silk trade.
patterns to adapt to the new trends at that Not a great amount was written about ancient
time. This development in the field of China partly due to its distance from the other
engineering and architecture was fully supported civilizations. Despite its less popular status
and funded by the Roman government so they among the early civilizations, one cannot
were able to implement major projects such as
discredit the significant contributions of showcased the extent of Chinese engineering
Chinese civilization to the world. technology at that time. The structure was so
massive and strong that it was said to have
Silk literally divided China from the rest of the
world. The wall's construction put the nation
One of the things that connected Far East China
among the powerful civilizations during the
to the world is silk. Although silk is naturally
ancient times. It was the pride of their land and
produced by silkworms, the Chinese were the
their crowning glory. Today, with some sections
ones who developed the technology to harvest
already in ruins, the Great Wall still continues to
the silk and process it to produce paper and
be a world attraction due to its historical
clothing. Silk production resulted in the creation
significance and architectural grandeur.
of a product for trade. The silk trade opened
China to the outside world, making way for
cultural, economic, and scientific exchanges. It
bridged the gap between the western world and Gunpowder
the middle kingdom.
The gunpowder is one of the most interesting
Tea Production inventions in China. Originally, it was developed
by Chinese alchemists who aimed to achieve
Tea is a beverage produced by pouring hot or immortality. They mixed charcoal, sulfur, and
boiling water over crushed or shredded dried potassium nitrate, but instead of creating an
tea leaves. It was believed that the first tea elixir of life, they accidentally invented a black
was drunk by a Chinese emperor. Tea production powder that could actually generate large
was developed when an unknown Chinese inventor amounts of heat and gas in an instant. Ironically,
created a machine that was able to shred tea instead of prolonging life, gunpowder is widely
leaves into strips. This machine was done using a used to propel bullets from guns and cannons
wheel-based mechanism with sharp edges which cause countless deaths. In fact,
attached to a wooden or ceramic pot. Because of gunpowder-propelled weapons are preferred by
this invention, the Chinese were able to increase raiders who plan to attack at a distance. The
their production of tea and trade with other same weapons are also used to dissipate any
nations. China thus became known for its tea attempts of invasion. On the other hand,
exports aside from its silk products. Tea gunpowder is also used in fireworks during
production developed by the ancient Chinese may important celebrations in China.
have resulted in making tea as one of the most
popular beverages in the world today. MEDIEVAL/MIDDLE AGES

Great Wall of China The start of the Middle Ages was marred by
massive invasions and migrations. Wars were
Once considered the only man-made structure prevalent during this time. As such, great
that could be seen from outer space, the Great technology was needed in the fields of weaponry,
Wall of China is said to be the largest and most navigation, mass food and farm production, and
extensive infrastructure that the nation built. It health. The wars have resulted in population
was constructed to keep out foreign invaders decline, but during the latter part of the period,
and control the borders of China. Made with there was a significant rise in population. Trade
stone, brick, wood, earth, and other materials, it
and commerce among nations increased, which preventing and curing various illnesses (Davidson,
resulted in greater demands for transportation 2015).
technology. Some of the most innovative minds
came from this period. TELESCOPE

After the Chinese developed woodblock printing, Since the Middle Ages was also known as the
Johann Gutenberg was able to invent the Age of Exploration, the need for nautical
printing press, a more reliable way of printing inventions was high. Considering the vast and
using a cast type. He utilized wooden machines empty oceans that separated lands, ship captains
that extracted juices from fruits, attached to needed to see far and wide for them to navigate
them a metal impression of the letters, and or to avoid dangers at sea. The invention of the
pressed firmly the cast metal into a piece of telescope, an optical instrument that helps in the
paper, which then made an exact impression on observation of remote objects, was a great help
paper. for navigators during this time. Together with
the telescope, the invention of the compass,
This general invention soon evolved to be the oars, and rudders made sea travelling easier and
mechanical printing press which was eventually safer (Helden, 1989).
used all over the world. The printing press was
invented to address the need for publishing WAR WEAPONS
books that would spread information to many
Since wars were widespread during the Middle
people at a faster rate. This invention also made
Ages, great development in the weaponry
works accessible to individuals who could not
technology also occurred. All sides must develop
even write (Streissguth, 1997).
weaponries not only as offensive tools but also
MICROSCOPE as defensive instruments. For open-area battles,
people developed cross bows and long bows so
Another invention in the Middle Ages is the that they could attack the enemies at long
microscope. Growing populations caused massive ranges, keeping themselves safe with the
migration and urbanization during the period. protection of walls and fortresses. Additionally,
More and more people transferred to polluted in close range hand-to-hand combat, soldiers
and populated urban areas which resulted in should wear something to protect themselves, a
more people getting sick and needing medical need addressed by the creation of iron body
attention. To develop the proper medicines for armors. However, body armors were heavy and
illnesses, experts must understand the sickness limited their movements. The problem was
through an investigation. Thus, they needed a eventually solved by the invention of the
device that could magnify things invisible to the chainmail.
eye. Guided by the principles used for the
invention of eyeglasses in earlier years, MODERN TIMES
Zacharias Janssen was able to develop the first
The booming world population during the
compound microscope. With this device, people
nineteenth century onwards demanded that more
were able to observe organisms that were
goods be produced at a faster rate. People
normally unseen by the naked eye. The
needed efficient means of transportation to
microscope was key in discovering new means in
trade more goods and cover a larger distance.
Machines that required animals to operate must
thus be upgraded. Faster and easier means to illuminate their homes. However, the production
communicate and compute should be developed of animal oils could not keep up with the demand.
to establish connections between and among Faced with this concern, Samuel M. Kier was able
nations. All these needs resulted in the to invent kerosene by refining petroleum.
development of industries. However, due to Kerosene was later on referred to as the
massive industrialization, the modern times again "illuminating oil" because it was used at first to
faced more complicated problems. Food provide lighting to homes. After some time, it
processing and medicine posed some of the was heating purposes. The development of
bigger challenges since health was of great kerosene established the petroleum refinery
concern. industry (Skrabec, 2010). At present, applied for
petroleum is widely used in powering
PASTEURIZATION automobiles, factories, and power plants, among
others.
As people were able to develop better means of
production to meet the needs of the population, TELEPHONE
food preservation and food safety became an
issue. The challenge to keep manufactured food The more people got connected by trade and
from deteriorating was greater for dairy exploration, the more they needed a way to
products, especially milk since they usually easily maintain these connections and
spoiled faster. These goods needed to be communicate with each other in real time.
consumed almost immediately after production Governments likewise needed some kind of
or they would cause illness like diphtheria, food communication system which would allow them to
poisoning, and typhoid fever. Since transporting administer their states well. Important day-to-
these products would also take time, it would be day decisions must be discussed and addressed
impossible to trade them. at the fastest time possible. Thus, the
development of the telephone by Alexander
Louis Pasteur, a French biologist, microbiologist, Graham Bell was one of the most important
and chemist, found a way to solve the problem. inventions at that time.
He invented pasteurization, the process of
heating dairy products to kill the harmful CALCULATOR
bacteria that allow them to spoil faster. Through
this process, milk could be stored and consumed Although an earlier version of the calculator had
for a longer period. It also prevented illnesses already been developed, circumstances in the
caused by harmful bacteria (Macalester College, modern times required a faster way to compute
2010). Other contributions of Pasteur to more complicated equations. Computing devices
science, technology, and medicine included his must also be easy to carry since they would be
works on molecular asymmetry, fermentation, utilized on a day-to-day basis. The creation of
and vaccination. modern calculators did not only pave the way for
easier arithmetic calculations, but also resulted
PETROLEUM REFINERY in the development of more complex processing
machines like the computer.
The modern times demanded better means of
powering homes and transportation. At first, PHILIPPINE INVENTIONS
people used animal oils for generating light to
Despite being considered a developing country, but they carry certain risks as they are fire
the Philippines also contributes to the global hazards. Solar power is also a welcome
advancement of science and technology. It is development but like rechargeable batteries,
quite remarkable to note the ingenuity of the solar panels are too expensive for ordinary
Filipinos despite the lack in resources. The Filipinos. Fortunately, a young Filipina inventor
Philippines is known to be one of the most named Aisa Mijeno was able to invent a lighting
vulnerable countries in terms of natural system that utilizes a material abundant in the
disasters. Many of the discoveries and Philippines saltwater. She invented the
inventions made by the Filipinos were therefore Sustainable Alternative Lighting (SALt) lamp, an
built from indigenous materials or created to environment-friendly light source that ru on
adapt to the harsh tropical environment. saltwater. The SALt lamp is safer as it poses no
risk of fir and emits no toxic gases. Aside from
SALAMANDER AMPHIBIOUS TRICYCLE people who live in coastal areas, it may also
benefit those from far-flung barrios because
It has become ordinary for Filipinos to convert
they can make their own saltwater by mixing two
transport vehicles into something more useful.
tablespoon of salt and a glass of tap water.
An example is the conversion of American
military jeeps used in World War II into MEDICAL INCUBATOR
jeepneys. Another Filipino innovation is the
addition of a sidecar to a motorcycle, A common problem in the Philippines is the high
transforming it into a tricycle to accommodate mortality rate of newborn babies. One reason
more passengers. for this problem in the 20th century was the
lack of available incubators especially in far
During the rainy season, flooding is a common flung rural areas due to lack of resources and
occurrence in many areas in the country. electricity. Dr. Fe del Mundo, a Filipino
Tricycles find it very difficult to traverse the pediatrician and the first Asian woman admitted
streets. To remedy the issue, Victor Llave and into Harvard Medical School, devised a medical
his team at H2O Technologies were able to incubator made from indigenous and cheap
invent the Salamander, an amphibious tricycle materials which did not run-on electricity. Dr.
that can cross not only flooded streets but also del Mundo's incubator was made by placing a
rivers and lakes. It may also be utilized to travel native laundry basket inside a bigger one. Hot
from island to island. Since the Philippines is an water bottles were inserted between the
archipelago, the Salamander is a useful invention baskets to provide warmth and a makeshift hood
that has a lot of potential. to allow oxygen circulation. Its main purpose was
to maintain conditions suitable for a newborn,
SALT Lamp
usually a pre-term baby. Other breakthroughs in
One of the major needs in the Philippines, as a Philippine medicine attributed to Dr. del Mundo
developing nation, is electrification. Electricity include her works on the immunization and
powers various types of machines, including light treatment of jaundice and the BRAT diet for
sources. In many rural areas in the country, curing diarrhea.
activities would cease when it gets dark. It also
MOSQUITO OVICIDAL/LARVICIDAL TRAP
becomes more dangerous to travel. Filipinos have
SYSTEM
resorted to using candles and kerosene lamps,
Dengue, a mosquito-borne viral illness, is endemic The developments during the Intellectual
in tropical and subtropical areas, including the Revolution showed how society was transformed
Philippines. This virus is usually transmitted by by science and technology. This chapter aims to
Aedes aegypti mosquito, rampant during the establish the interaction between science and
rainy season. Insecticides were previously used technology and society, cementing further the
to kill the species. However, recent studies show relationship as introduced in the first chapter.
that insecticide resistance has evolved in some
mosquito populations. Likewise, using insecticides COPERNICAN REVOLUTION
is harmful not only to humans but also to the
In the early times, people questioned what
environment. In 2010, the Department of
created days and nights. They wanted to
Science and Technology-Industrial Technology
understand what heavenly bodies like stars,
Development Institute (DOST-ITDI) was able to
moons, and planets are. The invention of the
introduce the Mosquito Ovicidal/ Larvicidal Trap
telescope allowed the people to take a peek at
System, also known as OL Trap. This trap system
the outer space, but more importantly, it also
is made of natural ingredients that are lethal to
intrigued them to know what was actually out
mosquitos but safe for humans and the
there.
environment.
Many Greek philosophers and intellectuals wrote
EJEEPNEY
about planets in an attempt to explain the
A major innovation that changed the movements of heavenly bodies and their effects
transportation industry in the Philippines was on the world as they knew it. Many of these
the development of the jeepney. This iconic philosophers agreed that planets moved around
public utility vehicle was built using the military in circular motion, and that these movements
jeeps left by the Americans after World War created days and nights, among others. A famous
II. The chassis and the body of the military philosopher and astronomer, Claudius Ptolemy,
jeeps were extended to accommodate more load stated that the planets, as well as the sun and
and passengers. Because of its usefulness, the the moon, moved in a circular motion around the
jeepney dominated Philippine streets and is Earth. The sun and moon's revolution explained
considered as the primary mode of the existence of days and nights. He believed
transportation of most Filipinos. However, the that the Earth was at the center-a concept
diesel powered jeepney produces large quantities known as geocentrism. Ptolemy's geocentric
of black smoke and is usually a major contributor model was widely accepted by the people and
of noise pollution due to its primitive exhaust was one of the greatest discoveries of that
system. To counter these disadvantages, the time.
electric jeepney (eJeepney) was developed. This
DARWINIAN REVOLUTION
modern type of transportation utilizes
electricity instead of the more expensive diesel. The Darwinian revolution was considered to be
It is environment-friendly since it does not emit one of the most controversial intellectual
any smoke and noise. revolutions of its time. In 1859, Charles Darwin,
____________________________________ an English naturalist, biologist, and geologist,
published his book, On the Origin of Species. In
Chapter 2: Intellectual Revolutions
this book, Darwin introduced the theory of
evolution, which posited that populations pass since its concepts were more philosophical and
through a process of natural selection in which supernatural. Many believed that Freud's theory
only the fittest would survive. He stated that had no scientific basis as no empirical or
organisms have the ability to adapt to their experimental data could support it.
environment and would gradually change into
something that would be more competitive to Despite criticisms, Freud still continued to work
survive, a process known as evolution. However, on refining his theory and in fact tried to explain
this theory became very controversial as people how psychoanalysis can be a clinical method in
perceived it to be contradictory to the church's treating some mental disorders. Soon enough,
teachings that the source of life is a powerful people were able to understand the concepts of
creator. The theory emerged at a time when psychoanalysis, which eventually resulted in
most of the population believed and accepted classifying psychology as a science.
the biblical version of the Earth's creation.
These three revolutionizing theories are just
Because of this conflict, the people divided-
some of the many scientific ideas that
some believed that the theory explained the
transformed and molded societies and beliefs.
origin of life, but the religious and the faithful
The changes they brought to the perspectives
strongly refuted it. It even sparked a massive
and perceptions of the scientific community and
debate between science and religion. It was only
the public are evidence of science and
after some time that people came to understand
technology's link to humanity. Through scientific
that Darwin's theory of evolution was not in fact
research and experimentations, people will
against the teachings of the church, and both
continue to deepen their understanding of the
can coexist.
world and the universe.
___________________________________

FREUDIAN REVOLUTION Chapter 3: Science, Technology and Nation

Building
In the past, the field of psychology was always
classified under philosophy. Psychology was The development of science and technology in
considered more of an art rather than a science. the Philippines has already come a long way.
In the late 19th century, Sigmund Freud was Many significant inventions and discoveries have
able to change people's perception of psychology been accomplished by or attributed to Filipinos.
with his revolutionary theory of psychoanalysis. This chapter tackles how the development of
science and technology affect the development
Psychoanalysis is the study that explains human of the Philippines as a nation.
behavior in his theory, Freud explained that
there are many conscious and unconscious PRE-COLONIAL PERIOD
factors that can influence behavior and
Scientific and technological development in the
emotions. He also argued that personality is a
Philippines began in the pre-colonial period. Even
product of three conflicting elements: id, ego,
before the Spaniards came to the Philippine
and superego. Science hardliners brushed off
islands, early Filipino settlers were already using
the legitimacy of psychoanalysis as a science
certain plants and herbs as medicines. Systems
of farming and animal-raising were also presidents posted more developments in the
implemented. Moreover, early Filipinos had also field than others.
developed different modes of transportation,
whether terrestrial or maritime. One of the presidents who ushered in
advancements in science and technology was
A complicated engineering feat was achieved by former president and dictator Ferdinand
the natives of the Cordilleras when they built Marcos. Under his term, many agencies in
rice terraces by hand. Through these terraces, science and technology were established and
the people were able to cultivate crops on the strengthened, including the Philippine
mountainsides in cold temperatures. They Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical
incorporated an irrigation system that uses Services Administration (PAGASA) in place of
water from the forests and mountain tops to the abolished Weather Bureau; the National
achieve an elaborate farming system. The rice Academy of Science and Technology (NAST);
terraces of the Cordilleras, which are still and the reconstituted National Science and
functional, show the innovative and ingenious way Technology Authority (originally established in
of the natives to survive in an otherwise 1958 as the National Science and Development
unfriendly environment. Board and now the Department of Science and
Technology), among others. Marcos saw that the
COLONIAL PERIOD key to nation-building is the continued
development of science and technology. The
Colonization by the Spaniards provided the
progress in science and technology continued
Philippines with modern means of construction.
even after his dictatorial rule and the
Walls, roads, bridges, and other large
presidents after him left their own legacies in
infrastructures were built using some of the
the field.
engineering skills and tools brought by the
Spaniards. In addition, the Spanish government
developed health and education systems that
were enjoyed by the principalia class.

The American occupation modernized almost all

aspects of life in the Philippines. They
established a government agency, the Bureau of
Science, for the sole purpose of nurturing
development in the field of science and
technology.

POST-COLONIAL PERIOD

After achieving independence from the

colonizers, the Philippines, under different
administrations, continued to pursue programs in
science and technology. Each leadership had its
own science and technology agenda. However, it
is important to note than some Philippine