Scottish inventions and discoveries solely to the subject, as well as scores of websites listing Scottish inventions and discoveries with varying degrees of science. Even before the Industrial Revolution, Scots have been at the forefront of innovation and discovery across a wide range of spheres. Some of the most significant products of Scottish ingenuity include James Watt's steam engine, improving on that of Thomas Newcomen, the bicycle, macadamisation (not to be confused with tarmac or tarmacadam), Alexander Graham Bell's invention of the first practical telephone, John Logie Baird's invention of television, Alexander Fleming's discovery of penicillin and insulin. The following is a list of
Necessity is the mother of invention of futile dodges" is much nearer to the truth." Necessity is the mother of invention "Necessity is the mother of invention" is an English-language proverb. It means, roughly, that the primary driving force for most new inventions is a need. "When the need for something becomes imperative, you are forced to find ways of getting or achieving it." The author of this proverb is unknown. This phrase was familiar in England, but in Latin, not in English. In 1519, the headmaster of Winchester and Eton, William Horman, used the Latin phrase "Mater artium necessitas" in his book "Vulgaria". In 1545