Thomas Jefferson, one of the most prominent figures in American history, is known for his contributions as a Founding Father and the third President of the United States. However, many people are not aware of the fact that Jefferson was also a polymath and inventor. He had a deep interest in science, technology, and architecture and his contributions in these areas are often overlooked. From the swivel chair that revolutionized the way we work to the polygraph that made copying documents a breeze, Jefferson’s inventions have had a lasting impact on our world today. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at the lesser-known side of Thomas Jefferson and explore his groundbreaking inventions that have stood the test of time.
Who is Thomas Jefferson?
Thomas Jefferson was born in 1743 in Virginia and was the third of ten children. He was raised in a wealthy plantation family and was well-educated, studying subjects such as law, mathematics, and science.
He began his political career in 1769, when he was elected to the Virginia House of Burgesses. He served as a delegate to the Continental Congress and was appointed as a committee member to draft the Declaration of Independence in 1776. He later served as Governor of Virginia, minister to France, and the first Secretary of State under President George Washington.
In 1800, Jefferson was elected as the third President of the United States, serving two terms from 1801 to 1809. During his presidency, he made significant contributions such as the Louisiana Purchase, which doubled the size of the United States, and the Lewis and Clark Expedition, which explored the western part of the country.
After his presidency, Jefferson retired to Monticello, his plantation in Virginia, where he spent the rest of his life. He continued to be involved in politics, and corresponded with many prominent figures of his time. He died on July 4, 1826, the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Jefferson’s life was full of achievements and contributions to the United States, not just in his political career but also as an inventor, architect and a scientist. He was also a slave owner and his views on slavery and race are a complex subject that is still widely debated today.
Thomas Jefferson’s inventions
In addition to his political career, Jefferson was also a polymath and inventor. He was interested in many fields, including architecture, science, and technology. Some of his inventions include:
- The swivel chair: Jefferson designed a swivel chair with a writing surface attached, which allowed him to write and read comfortably. This chair was designed with a revolving mechanism that allowed Jefferson to turn the chair in any direction without having to move from his seat. The writing surface was attached to the chair, allowing Jefferson to write letters and documents without having to stand up or move to a separate desk.
- The polygraph: Jefferson invented a machine called the polygraph, which allowed him to make copies of letters and documents. The polygraph was a mechanical device that consisted of two pens, one of which was controlled by the writer and the other by the copier. As the writer wrote, the copier’s pen would trace the same words on a separate piece of paper. This allowed Jefferson to create multiple copies of the same document quickly and easily.
- The moldboard plow: Jefferson designed a new type of plow that was more efficient and easier to use than traditional plows. The moldboard plow is a plow that is designed to turn over the soil and bury weeds and other unwanted plants. The design of the moldboard plow allowed farmers to turn over soil more efficiently and effectively, which improved crop yields.
- The dumbwaiter: Jefferson designed a small elevator-like contraption that could be used to move items between floors in his home. The dumbwaiter was a small lift that could be used to transport items such as dishes, books, and other small items between floors. This made it easier for servants to move items around the house, and for Jefferson to access items in different parts of his home.
- The wheel cipher: Jefferson invented a wheel cipher, which is an early form of a mechanical encryption device. The wheel cipher was a mechanical device that consisted of a series of rotating disks. Each disk had letters or numbers on it, and the disks could be rotated to create different combinations of letters and numbers. This allowed Jefferson to encode and decode messages quickly and easily, making it a useful tool for encrypting secret communication.
Please note that some of these inventions were not invented exclusively by Thomas Jefferson but he improved or adapted them for his own use.