93: Barbed Wire (AKA bobbed wire)

93: Barbed Wire (AKA Bobbed Wire) 

All the inventions so far have been uniquely globe, that is, they are all inventions that were developed in certain regions and

spread quickly through out the world or they were being developed in different areas at the same time. This invention is the first on my list that is uniquely American.

Fencing to keep cattle and other livestock separate in the west was nothing new. In the 19th century, not only in the west, but in other sections of America,. farmers were using hedgerows, stones, and wooden fences. The problem with these methods did not keep cattle and other livestock within the fencing or kept thieves out.

The unique problem of having cattle in the west was to keep cattle separate from cattle drives. Most cattle farmers in the west had the Open Range policy of raising cattle. That is, the farmers did not have fencing and allowed their livestock to graze openly on the land. However, with cattle drives, this caused a problem of mixing one farmers cattle with another farmers cattle. Some cattle farmers did not brand, and it was hard to prove the ownership of some of the cattle and it was stolen either on purpose or accidentally.  New fencing was needed to help with two primary problems: 1. keeping cattle in, and keeping cattle drivers out. Barbed wire was the answer to these two problems. 

Fencing consisted of flat wire, which was easy to break or pass through if animals charged through it. A farmer in Ohio, Lucien B. Smith, developed a new wire which consisted of two flat wires that had barbs (or bobs) twisted into the wire at intervals. With this wire, the animals would be conditioned not to run into it. Likewise, if cattle thieves were out during the night, their horses or themselves were more than likely to be caught in the wire leaving both rider and horse in pain or worse condition. Smith was given a patented in 1863. 

Years later in 1874, an Illinois Farmer, Joseph F. Glidden, made modifications on Smiths design and was given a patent on his barbed wire. The west and most of the United States were revolutionized by barbed wire. Not only did the wire keep animals in and thieves out, it also defined division of land by giving more of a physical boundary, which had been rightfully claimed. 

It was not very long when barbed wire was being used to keep humans in or trap humans within its barbs. During World War I, barbed wire was used to build the boundary of the tops of the trenches to keep the enemy out. During World War II, it was used at concentration camps as well as battle. Modern prisons also use a relative of barbed wire, razor wire, which is made the same way but with razors attached. There are many different types of barbed wire for different uses other than human captivity. 

Barbed Wire makes my list because of the simple genius about it. Before electrical fences were used to keep livestock in pens, it was just simple wire and barbs that did the job. 

Video of a barbed wire machine at slow pace making wire

Video of a barbed wire machine at pace making wire

94: The Candle

        Since man came to earth, we have been trying to see at night. When we discovered fire, this was used to warm foods, and light the way, it wasn't until we could harness the light and that place it in various places in the cave. The candle made that possible and makes the list at number 94.

Candles date back over 5,000 years and they are one of the first forms of artificial light being used in homes and in travel. When we think about the Egyptian and Roman rule, we think about torches and oil lamps, which is true, however, candles were being developed at this time. Animal fat was used to creat the candles waxy, greasy outside while cotton, flex, and other fabrics were used for its wick. The candles were expensive, and they did not burn well by today's standard but their function was more important to produce light in a given area giving the end user light to see by. 

In the Middle Ages candles became more suffocated and were used mainly in religious ceremonies. Remember, the Middle Ages is known as the dark ages because of a plague going on, which killed 1/3 of the population. Candles, by this point, were being made of other materials such as beeswax, and berries. The wicks were composed still of cotton and other fabrics placed in the middle of the waxy, greasy outer layer. Candles were still used by the wealthy and by those who could afford it. Hour candles were also becoming popular to keep time in the night hours as well. Oil lamps, and fire were still being used by most of the population for artificial light in their homes, and huts!

The American colonists found candles to be extremely important. Candlemakers in America used more natural wax such as those found in bay-berries. Not only did the berry have a wonderful smell, they also burned a bit longer. It wasn't until the 1700's that the candle became less expensive finally being mass produced, bringing more light into homes. Whale oil made it possible. Whale oil was cheap, and it was harder than previous candle casings and it held allowed the candle to keep its shape in the summer months.

During the industrial revolution, a candle making machine was developed that used a wax mix made of various waxes, and lipids, which reduced the awful smell of animal fat. The wax is more or less is still being used today. The wick also went under a major change that maximized the usage and illumination from the wick. The wicks has been made from fabrics or threads, which had been twisted together. It wasn't until the late 1700's and early 1800's that the wicks were being made of braided cotton. This technique allowed the wick to curl back under into the flame, allowing i the wick to be burned completely. This braided technique also allowed the wick to burn brighter giving more sustainable light.

Candles were displaced, however, havingcome full circle in the west. The candle holds more importance in religious ceremonies than they do as an artificial light source in homes. I am sure, dear reader, you have candles throughout your home but do you use them everday as artificial light? The death of the candle came with Edison and his electric light. The candle has left its mark. All illuminates are measured in candle strength! The next time you buy a flashlight read the package! 

To watch videos on candle making click the links below: 

Dublin Candlemaker Part One - http://youtu.be/98tTYmbvtcs

Dublin Candlemaker Part Two - http://youtu.be/08b3va22eak