Charles Darwin publishes Origin of Species, outlining theory of evolution and natural selection
Darwin’s theory argued that organisms gradually evolve through a process he called natural selection.
1850s C.E.
Gaston Planté invents the lead acid battery, the first rechargeable battery
Planté’s first model consisted of two lead sheets separated by rubber strips and rolled into a spiral. His batteries were first used to power the lights in train carriages while stopped at a station.
Peter von Rittinger of Austria invents the world’s first functional heat pump
A heat pump is a device that uses electricity to transfer heat from a colder place to a warmer place. Air-source heat pumps are now among are most effective climate solutions. In 1856, Rittinger recognized the principle of the heat pump while conducting experiments on the use of water vapor’s latent heat for the evaporation of salt brine. As a result, the heat pump was used to dry salt in salt marshes in Austria.
British Parliament passes the New Zealand Constitution Act 1852 to grant settlers self-governance
The Act made New Zealand independent in domestic matters for all intents and purposes from its earliest days as a British colony.
Hermann Melville publishes Moby-Dick
It was only in the early 1900s that Moby-Dick gained attention and acclaim. During his lifetime, the novel sold a scant 3,000 copies. In modern times the novel is not only considered a great American classic, it is also heralded as one of greatest novels in the English language.
Cowboy boots become popular in the United States
Fashion magazines from 1850 and 1860 show the cowboy boot with top-stitching, cutouts of geometric or other natural elements and under-slung heel.
Antonio Torres of Spain invents the modern classic guitar
The form of the modern classical guitar is credited to Spanish guitar maker Antonio Torres circa 1850. Torres increased the size of the guitar body, altered its proportions, and invented the “fan” top bracing pattern.