Entire period in human history are named after our reliance on materials like steel and iron, which just speaks to how crucial they were to the creation of society as we know it today. We're constantly building new versions of them, and chances are our understanding and use of them will continue to evolve. But to go forward, you have to know where you came from.
Real Engineering takes a look at how the production of these materials has evolved over time.
These means of production have had serious consequences throughout humanity. You could point to the battle between the longbow and the breastplate, or the composition of most weapons in human history. Even if you exclude warfare, steel and iron and have been able to reshape our buildings. Forgotten heroes like Sidney Gilchrist Thomas, allowed for the widespread steel and iron we appreciate today.
Of course, it's not all benefits, as Real Engineering nots. Thomas' work eventually lead to his sickness and death. People worked in unsafe environments with these materials for centuries, unaware or uninterested in how they could effect their bodies. Luckily, organizations like OSHA now exist for that purpose.
Source: Real Engineering
David Grossman is a staff writer for PopularMechanics.com. He's previously written for The Verge, Rolling Stone, The New Republic and several other publications. He's based out of Brooklyn.
