This site explores the 8th General Purpose Technology in the current era (AD). The previous seven foundational technologies in order were: the Water Wheel, the Three-masted Ship, Printing, the Factory System, the Steam Engine, Railways and the Iron Steamship.

A General Purpose Technology is a single, recognizable generic technology that starts out with much room for improvement but becomes widely employed across economies in many use cases, and creates many spillover effects.

Following the noted work of Economists Richard Lipsey and Kenneth Carlaw, General Purpose Technologies (GPTs) have existed since 9000 – 8000 BC with the Domestication of Plants in the Neolithic agricultural revolution.

Discover

Internal Combustion Engines

General Purpose Technology-8 is an educational site dedicated to introducing information about the Internal Combustion Engine. Here we promote knowledge and stimulate curiosity of the history, technology, and impact of these Engines on society.

From Spark to Speed: The Rise of Internal Combustion Engines

From a historical perspective, the internal combustion engine, introduced in the mid-19th century, wasn't just an engine, it was a "general purpose technology” game-changer. It sparked numerous innovations, paving the way for the automobile, which transformed daily life and fueled suburban growth. Soaring on its power, the airplane took flight, revolutionizing travel and warfare. Meanwhile, the engine became the heart of the oil industry, with its reach impacting the globe and creating international economic dependencies.

More than just moving vehicles, the internal combustion engine reshaped landscapes, fueled personal freedom, and ignited a new era of mobile warfare, leaving an undeniable mark on the 20th century and beyond.

Internal Combustion Engine Education

A Tiny Explosion, a Big Idea

Overcoming Challenges, Unleashing Potential

Beyond the Factory:

A Transportation Revolution

Imagine a world without cars or motorcycles. That's how it was before the internal combustion engine. These early engines were like bulky contraptions that relied on tiny explosions inside a metal chamber. They weren't very powerful and weren't great at getting things moving.

But the idea was there - a small bang that could create a lot of force. Initially, these engines were stuck doing chores around factories and workshops

The big changes came with improvements in fuel and engine design. Experimenting with different fuels and building better engines made them stronger and more efficient. A clever invention called a carburetor helped mix fuel and air just right, and the spark plug made starting the engine a whole lot easier. These advancements were like giving the engine a major power-up!

This newfound power wasn't just for factories anymore. Internal combustion engines went on wheels, creating cars and motorcycles. Compared to slow, horse-drawn carriages, these vehicles offered freedom and flexibility never before imagined. People could travel farther, faster, and explore new places. This also led to a boom in road construction and the rise of suburbs, as people could now live farther from their workplaces

A Ripple Effect Across Industries

The benefits of the internal combustion engine spread beyond transportation. The same engine technology, with some adjustments, could power airplanes soaring through the sky and tools that made building and fixing things much easier. As engine designs improved, companies figured out ways to make them cheaper to produce, making them more accessible to everyone.

The skilled workers who built these engines found their talents valuable in many other industries, pushing innovation even further.

A Legacy of Mobility:

The Engine's Enduring Impact

Today, the internal combustion engine is everywhere. It's how we get around, how we mow our lawns, and how we power countless machines. While cleaner alternatives are emerging, the internal combustion engine remains a dominant force. It transformed how we live, work, and travel, creating a more mobile and interconnected world. From that first tiny spark, the internal combustion engine ignited a revolution that continues to shape our lives today.

While the internal combustion engine reigns supreme for now, cleaner alternatives are on the horizon. Electric vehicles powered by batteries and hydrogen fuel cells are gaining traction, promising a future with less reliance on fossil fuels.