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Technologies
Below are the technologies we aim to showcase in comic form.
Linked technologies are already in development; unlinked technologies have not yet been started.
See one that interests you? Click “Community” at the top of the page to help get it started — or to suggest a technology we should add.
24 technology groups · 628 catalog records · Variants are shown beneath their parent technology.
Foundational principles & natural-resource methods (3)
LeverIWK-100000
WedgeIWK-100100
Inclined planeIWK-100200
Stone, bone & early hand tools (13)
Stone knappingIWK-100300
Stone cutting toolIWK-100400
HammerIWK-100500
Digging toolIWK-100600
Stone AxeIWK-101000
AdzeIWK-101100
Bone KnifeIWK-101200
Stone grinding and polishingIWK-101300
ChiselIWK-101400
ShovelIWK-103900
Hand drill and augerIWK-114200
↳ Bow DrillIWK-114200-A
↳ Pump DrillIWK-114200-B
↳ Brace and BitIWK-114200-C
↳ GimletIWK-114200-D
Files and raspsIWK-114300
Grinding stones and whetstonesIWK-114400
Fire, heat & cooking (10)
Fire-starting methodsIWK-100700
FireIWK-100800
Fire maintenanceIWK-101500
Hearth constructionIWK-101600
Roasting racksIWK-101700
CharcoalIWK-104000
CandlesIWK-104100
Oil LampsIWK-104200
Oven constructionIWK-104300
Cooking potsIWK-104400
Water & sanitation (22)
Drinking WaterIWK-100900
HandwashingIWK-101800
Well diggingIWK-104500
Water filtrationIWK-104600
Water purificationIWK-104700
Water treatmentIWK-104800
CisternsIWK-104900
ReservoirsIWK-105000
Rainwater collectionIWK-105100
LatrinesIWK-105200
Septic systemsIWK-105300
Waste disposalIWK-105400
Pipe jointsIWK-105500
DrainsIWK-105600
Water storageIWK-105700
SewersIWK-114500
Public bath systemsIWK-114600
PipingIWK-121600
PlumbingIWK-121700
SinkIWK-121800
ToiletIWK-121900
Water towerIWK-129300
Food acquisition, processing & preservation (23)
Mortar and pestleIWK-101900
Trapping foodIWK-102000
Fishing hookIWK-102100
Bow & ArrowsIWK-102200
SpearIWK-102300
Spear thrower (atlatl)IWK-102400
Fishing netIWK-102500
Fish trapIWK-102600
BreadIWK-105800
BeerIWK-105900
SmokehousesIWK-106000
Quern stonesIWK-106100
Salt productionIWK-106200
Food preservationIWK-106300
Drying foodIWK-106400
Smoking foodIWK-106500
Salting foodIWK-106600
BriningIWK-106700
PicklingIWK-106800
FermentationIWK-106900
Cheese makingIWK-107000
Butter makingIWK-107100
CanningIWK-129400
Fibers, textiles, leather & clothing (19)
CordageIWK-102700
LeatherIWK-102800
ShoesIWK-102900
Basket WeavingIWK-103000
NeedleIWK-109400
Spinning WheelIWK-109500
↳ Great WheelIWK-109500-A
↳ Saxony WheelIWK-109500-B
↳ CharkhaIWK-109500-C
↳ Flyer WheelIWK-109500-D
LoomIWK-109600
↳ Backstrap LoomIWK-109600-A
↳ Warp-Weighted LoomIWK-109600-B
↳ Ground LoomIWK-109600-C
↳ Treadle LoomIWK-109600-D
Sewn ClothingIWK-109700
ButtonsIWK-109800
CottonIWK-109900
TanningIWK-110000
Wool processingIWK-110100
Flax and linenIWK-110200
FeltIWK-110300
KnittingIWK-110400
Textile dyeingIWK-110500
MordantsIWK-110600
EmbroideryIWK-110700
LaceIWK-110800
Construction & civil infrastructure (24)
ShelterIWK-103100
MortarIWK-111600
Road buildingIWK-111700
FoundationsIWK-111800
↳ Strip FoundationIWK-111800-A
↳ Pad FoundationIWK-111800-B
↳ Raft FoundationIWK-111800-C
↳ Pile FoundationIWK-111800-D
Stone masonryIWK-111900
↳ Dry-Stone MasonryIWK-111900-A
↳ Rubble MasonryIWK-111900-B
↳ Ashlar MasonryIWK-111900-C
RoofingIWK-112000
↳ Thatch RoofIWK-112000-A
↳ Wood-Shingle RoofIWK-112000-B
↳ Clay-Tile RoofIWK-112000-C
↳ Slate RoofIWK-112000-D
↳ Sheet-Metal RoofIWK-112000-E
AqueductsIWK-115000
CanalsIWK-115100
Drainage ditchesIWK-115200
DamsIWK-115300
↳ Earthfill DamIWK-115300-A
↳ Gravity DamIWK-115300-B
↳ Arch DamIWK-115300-C
↳ Timber-Crib DamIWK-115300-D
QuarryingIWK-115400
Bridge buildingIWK-115500
↳ Beam BridgeIWK-115500-A
↳ Arch BridgeIWK-115500-B
↳ Truss BridgeIWK-115500-C
↳ Suspension BridgeIWK-115500-D
Road pavingIWK-115600
ArchesIWK-115700
↳ Semicircular ArchIWK-115700-A
↳ Segmental ArchIWK-115700-B
↳ Pointed ArchIWK-115700-C
↳ Catenary ArchIWK-115700-D
VaultsIWK-115800
↳ Barrel VaultIWK-115800-A
↳ Groin VaultIWK-115800-B
↳ Rib VaultIWK-115800-C
PlasterIWK-115900
StuccoIWK-116000
ScaffoldingIWK-116100
CementIWK-122700
ConcreteIWK-122800
MiningIWK-122900
TunnelingIWK-123000
Portland cementIWK-129600
Reinforced concreteIWK-134100
Transport & navigation (16)
RaftsIWK-103200
CanoesIWK-103300
↳ Dugout CanoeIWK-103300-A
↳ Bark CanoeIWK-103300-B
↳ Skin-Frame CanoeIWK-103300-C
PaddlesIWK-103400
OarsIWK-103500
BoatIWK-112600
Draft Horse TrainingIWK-112700
Draft Ox TrainingIWK-112800
CartsIWK-117500
SailingIWK-117600
↳ Square RigIWK-117600-A
↳ Lateen RigIWK-117600-B
↳ Fore-and-Aft RigIWK-117600-C
↳ Junk RigIWK-117600-D
HarborsIWK-117700
Canal locksIWK-117800
RuddersIWK-117900
↳ Steering OarIWK-117900-A
↳ Side RudderIWK-117900-B
↳ Sternpost RudderIWK-117900-C
AnchorsIWK-118000
↳ Stone AnchorIWK-118000-A
↳ Stocked AnchorIWK-118000-B
↳ Fluke AnchorIWK-118000-C
↳ Mushroom AnchorIWK-118000-D
Rail – Horse/Ox poweredIWK-125500
Ship hull constructionIWK-125600
↳ Clinker-Built HullIWK-125600-A
↳ Carvel-Built HullIWK-125600-B
↳ Shell-First HullIWK-125600-C
↳ Frame-First HullIWK-125600-D
Celestial navigationIWK-125700
Writing, mathematics & measurement (40)
CountingIWK-103600
Numerical notationIWK-112900
InkIWK-113000
Pens and brushesIWK-113100
SundialIWK-113200
CarpentryIWK-118100
WritingIWK-118200
PaperIWK-118300
MathIWK-118400
SuspensionIWK-118500
Saw sharpeningIWK-118600
Plumbing trapsIWK-118700
Surveying and levelingIWK-118800
CompassIWK-118900
MapmakingIWK-119000
ParchmentIWK-119100
LedgersIWK-119200
Standardized weights and measuresIWK-119300
Balances and scalesIWK-119400
RulersIWK-119500
Plumb linesIWK-119600
LevelsIWK-119700
ClocksIWK-119800
CalendarsIWK-119900
ArithmeticIWK-120000
FractionsIWK-120100
GeometryIWK-120200
MeasurementIWK-120300
Water ClockIWK-120400
Movable typeIWK-125800
BookbindingIWK-125900
CalipersIWK-126000
SextantsIWK-130100
ThermometersIWK-130200
BarometersIWK-130300
AlgebraIWK-130400
Precision measuring toolsIWK-130500
Mechanical ClockIWK-130600
Pendulum ClockIWK-134200
Quartz ClockIWK-144900
Medicine & public health (9)
BandagesIWK-103700
SplintsIWK-103800
SuturesIWK-114100
DisinfectionIWK-129100
Basic surgical instrumentsIWK-129200
AntisepticsIWK-134000
SterilizationIWK-138500
AnesthesiaIWK-138600
VaccinationIWK-144800
Agriculture & animal systems (23)
Edible GrainsIWK-107200
SickleIWK-107300
Basic AgricultureIWK-107400
ArdIWK-107500
LivestockIWK-107600
FencingIWK-107700
Compost & ManureIWK-107800
Horses/OxenIWK-107900
Horse collarIWK-108000
↳ Breast CollarIWK-108000-A
↳ Throat-and-Girth HarnessIWK-108000-B
↳ Full Shoulder CollarIWK-108000-C
PlowIWK-108100
Seed savingIWK-108200
PlantingIWK-108300
Crop rotationIWK-108400
HarvestingIWK-108500
ThreshingIWK-108600
WinnowingIWK-108700
Grain storageIWK-108800
Crop storageIWK-108900
SilosIWK-109000
Animal fodderIWK-109100
BeekeepingIWK-109200
Animal DomesticationIWK-109300
IrrigationIWK-114700
Ceramics, glass & mineral materials (17)
Pottery and KilnsIWK-110900
LimeIWK-111000
BricksIWK-111100
Potter’s WheelIWK-111200
↳ Tournette / Slow WheelIWK-111200-A
↳ Kick WheelIWK-111200-B
↳ Treadle Potter’s WheelIWK-111200-C
Clay preparationIWK-111300
PotteryIWK-111400
Kiln ConstructionIWK-111500
Drain tileIWK-114800
Ceramic pipesIWK-114900
GlassIWK-122000
Ceramic glazeIWK-122100
FirebrickIWK-122200
Glass blowingIWK-122300
Flat window glassIWK-122400
Glass cuttingIWK-122500
Bottles and jarsIWK-122600
PorcelainIWK-129500
Woodworking, hardware & fasteners (22)
JoineryIWK-112100
Wooden pegsIWK-112200
DowelsIWK-112300
Mortise-and-tenon jointsIWK-112400
Barrel makingIWK-112500
Hand SawIWK-116200
↳ Rip SawIWK-116200-A
↳ Crosscut SawIWK-116200-B
↳ Frame SawIWK-116200-C
↳ Bow SawIWK-116200-D
Wood planeIWK-116300
↳ Jack PlaneIWK-116300-A
↳ Smoothing PlaneIWK-116300-B
↳ Jointer PlaneIWK-116300-C
↳ Block PlaneIWK-116300-D
↳ Molding PlaneIWK-116300-E
HingesIWK-116400
↳ Strap HingeIWK-116400-A
↳ Butt HingeIWK-116400-B
↳ Pivot HingeIWK-116400-C
↳ Continuous HingeIWK-116400-D
ClampsIWK-116500
HooksIWK-116600
Door hardwareIWK-116700
NailsIWK-123100
ScissorsIWK-123200
ScrewsIWK-123300
Bolts and nutsIWK-123400
RivetsIWK-123500
Locks and latchesIWK-123600
↳ Warded LockIWK-123600-A
↳ Lever LockIWK-123600-B
↳ Pin-Tumbler LockIWK-123600-C
WashersIWK-123700
Cotter pinsIWK-123800
ChainsIWK-123900
ShacklesIWK-124000
Threaded fastenersIWK-124100
Chemistry, fuels, explosives & coatings (45)
GlueIWK-113300
SoapIWK-113400
Potash and Soda AshIWK-113500
VinegarIWK-113600
AlcoholIWK-113700
PigmentsIWK-113800
PotashIWK-113900
Soda AshIWK-114000
PeatIWK-121300
WaterproofingIWK-121400
ExplosivesIWK-128600
DistillationIWK-128700
PaintIWK-128800
VarnishIWK-128900
Black powderIWK-129000
RubberIWK-132300
AmmoniaIWK-132400
Charcoal productionIWK-132500
Coke productionIWK-132600
LyeIWK-132700
SolventsIWK-132800
Laboratory glasswareIWK-132900
Coal miningIWK-133000
CokeIWK-133100
LacquerIWK-133200
Corrosion protectionIWK-133300
Blasting powderIWK-133400
Safety fuseIWK-133500
Controlled blastingIWK-133600
AcetelyneIWK-136900
Sulfuric acidIWK-137000
Nitric acidIWK-137100
Hydrochloric acidIWK-137200
Chlorine and bleachIWK-137300
KeroseneIWK-137400
Lubricating oilIWK-137500
DetonatorsIWK-137600
DynamiteIWK-137700
Haber-Bosch processIWK-138900
Petroleum drillingIWK-139000
Petroleum refiningIWK-139100
GasolineIWK-139200
Diesel fuelIWK-139300
Synthetic rubberIWK-145000
PlasticsIWK-145100
Simple machines & mechanical components (24)
WheelbarrowIWK-116800
WheelIWK-116900
↳ Solid WheelIWK-116900-A
↳ Compression-Spoked WheelIWK-116900-B
↳ Tension-Spoked WheelIWK-116900-C
AxleIWK-117000
PulleyIWK-117100
Block and tackleIWK-117200
Winch and capstanIWK-117300
WheelwrightingIWK-117400
ValvesIWK-124200
↳ Plug ValveIWK-124200-A
↳ Gate ValveIWK-124200-B
↳ Globe ValveIWK-124200-C
↳ Check ValveIWK-124200-D
↳ Ball ValveIWK-124200-E
Wooden cranes & riggingIWK-124300
↳ Jib CraneIWK-124300-A
↳ Treadwheel CraneIWK-124300-B
↳ Gantry CraneIWK-124300-C
↳ DerrickIWK-124300-D
GearsIWK-124400
↳ Spur GearIWK-124400-A
↳ Bevel GearIWK-124400-B
↳ Worm GearIWK-124400-C
↳ Rack-and-PinionIWK-124400-D
↳ Helical GearIWK-124400-E
Bearings and bushingsIWK-124500
Crank and connecting rodIWK-124600
BrakesIWK-124700
↳ Block BrakeIWK-124700-A
↳ Band BrakeIWK-124700-B
↳ Drum BrakeIWK-124700-C
↳ Disc BrakeIWK-124700-D
SpringsIWK-124800
↳ Leaf SpringIWK-124800-A
↳ Coil SpringIWK-124800-B
↳ Torsion SpringIWK-124800-C
Belts and pulleysIWK-124900
Chain drivesIWK-125000
Gear trainsIWK-125100
↳ Simple Gear TrainIWK-125100-A
↳ Compound Gear TrainIWK-125100-B
↳ Planetary Gear TrainIWK-125100-C
↳ Differential Gear TrainIWK-125100-D
FlywheelsIWK-125200
CouplingsIWK-125300
↳ Rigid CouplingIWK-125300-A
↳ Flexible CouplingIWK-125300-B
↳ Universal JointIWK-125300-C
ShaftingIWK-125400
GovernorsIWK-129700
ClutchesIWK-129800
↳ Cone ClutchIWK-129800-A
↳ Single-Plate ClutchIWK-129800-B
↳ Multi-Plate ClutchIWK-129800-C
↳ Centrifugal ClutchIWK-129800-D
Ball bearingsIWK-129900
Mechanical speed controlIWK-130000
Metals & metallurgy (33)
Copper smeltingIWK-120500
BronzeIWK-120600
Furnace designIWK-120700
CruciblesIWK-120800
Forge bellowsIWK-120900
AnvilsIWK-121000
TongsIWK-121100
Metal Working – Sand CastingIWK-126100
Black SmitheryIWK-126200
Iron KnifeIWK-126300
Iron Agricultural toolsIWK-126400
Metal AxeIWK-126500
Ore crushing and preparationIWK-126600
Iron smeltingIWK-126700
Metal heat treatmentIWK-126800
Bloomery furnaceIWK-126900
Wire drawingIWK-127000
Sheet metalIWK-127100
SolderingIWK-127200
BrazingIWK-127300
PatternmakingIWK-127400
Mold makingIWK-127500
Metal castingIWK-127600
Casting cleanup and finishingIWK-127700
Blacksmith’s forgeIWK-127800
ForgingIWK-127900
Forge weldingIWK-128000
SteelmakingIWK-130700
Refractory materialsIWK-130800
Blast furnaceIWK-130900
Steel alloysIWK-134300
Stainless steelIWK-138700
AluminumIWK-138800
Steam, pumps, pressure & rail (23)
Archimedes screwIWK-121200
Piston pumpIWK-132200
↳ Lift PumpIWK-132200-A
↳ Force PumpIWK-132200-B
↳ Double-Acting PumpIWK-132200-C
Water pumpIWK-134800
Steam EngineIWK-134900
↳ Atmospheric EngineIWK-134900-A
↳ Condensing Beam EngineIWK-134900-B
↳ High-Pressure Steam EngineIWK-134900-C
↳ Compound Steam EngineIWK-134900-D
Steam-Powered SawmillIWK-135000
Steam-Powered Water PumpIWK-135100
Steam-Powered Grist MillIWK-135200
Steam-Powered Boat / SteamshipIWK-135300
Steam Locomotive and RailwayIWK-135400
Air compressorIWK-135500
Steam boilerIWK-135600
↳ Fire-Tube BoilerIWK-135600-A
↳ Water-Tube BoilerIWK-135600-B
↳ Vertical BoilerIWK-135600-C
Steam condenserIWK-135700
Pressure vesselsIWK-135800
Pressure gaugesIWK-135900
↳ Liquid-Column ManometerIWK-135900-A
↳ Bourdon GaugeIWK-135900-B
↳ Diaphragm GaugeIWK-135900-C
Pistons and cylindersIWK-136000
Engine valvesIWK-136100
Centrifugal pumpIWK-136200
Hydraulic pressIWK-136300
Hydraulic jackIWK-136400
Pneumatic HammerIWK-136500
Pneumatic DrillIWK-136600
Pneumatic RiveterIWK-136700
Pneumatic WrenchIWK-136800
Refrigeration & HVAC (11)
Evaporative CoolingIWK-121500
Heat exchangersIWK-138300
Absorption RefrigerationIWK-138400
RefrigerationIWK-143400
HVACIWK-143500
Refrigeration compressorIWK-143600
Refrigeration condenserIWK-143700
EvaporatorIWK-143800
RefrigerantsIWK-143900
ThermostatsIWK-144000
Vapor-Compression RefrigerationIWK-144100
Mechanical power, mills & production (9)
WaterwheelIWK-128100
↳ Undershot WaterwheelIWK-128100-A
↳ Breastshot WaterwheelIWK-128100-B
↳ Overshot WaterwheelIWK-128100-C
↳ Pitchback WaterwheelIWK-128100-D
SawmillIWK-128200
↳ Frame SawmillIWK-128200-A
↳ Circular SawmillIWK-128200-B
WindmillIWK-128300
↳ Post MillIWK-128300-A
↳ Smock MillIWK-128300-B
↳ Tower MillIWK-128300-C
Horse millIWK-128400
↳ Sweep MillIWK-128400-A
↳ TreadmillIWK-128400-B
↳ Capstan MillIWK-128400-C
Grist millIWK-128500
Mechanically Powered LoomIWK-131000
Cotton ginIWK-131100
↳ Roller GinIWK-131100-A
↳ Saw GinIWK-131100-B
Water-Powered SawmillIWK-131200
Water turbineIWK-134400
↳ Pelton TurbineIWK-134400-A
↳ Francis TurbineIWK-134400-B
↳ Kaplan TurbineIWK-134400-C
↳ Crossflow TurbineIWK-134400-D
Machine tools & manufacturing (12)
LatheIWK-131300
↳ Bow LatheIWK-131300-A
↳ Pole LatheIWK-131300-B
↳ Treadle LatheIWK-131300-C
Metal shaperIWK-131400
↳ Horizontal ShaperIWK-131400-A
↳ Vertical SlotterIWK-131400-B
Milling machineIWK-131500
↳ Horizontal Milling MachineIWK-131500-A
↳ Vertical Milling MachineIWK-131500-B
↳ Universal Milling MachineIWK-131500-C
↳ Turret MillIWK-131500-D
Drill pressIWK-131600
↳ Bench Drill PressIWK-131600-A
↳ Floor Drill PressIWK-131600-B
↳ Radial-Arm Drill PressIWK-131600-C
Further machine toolsIWK-131700
Surface grinderIWK-131800
Planer machineIWK-131900
Broaching machineIWK-132000
Gear cutterIWK-132100
Welding torchIWK-134500
Pneumatic toolsIWK-134600
Oxygen-Acetylene torchIWK-134700
Communications, optics & imaging (17)
Printing PressIWK-133700
Optical glassIWK-133800
MirrorIWK-138000
LensesIWK-138100
DaguerreotypeIWK-138200
TelegraphIWK-142600
PhotographyIWK-142700
TelephoneIWK-142800
MicrophoneIWK-142900
AntennaIWK-143000
Wet-Plate PhotographyIWK-143100
Dry-Plate PhotographyIWK-143200
Film PhotographyIWK-143300
LoudspeakerIWK-145400
Radio transmitterIWK-145500
Radio receiverIWK-145600
Digital PhotographyIWK-146500
Engines, powered transport & flight (11)
BalloonIWK-133900
Internal combustion engineIWK-144200
CrankshaftsIWK-144300
CamshaftsIWK-144400
CarburetorsIWK-144500
Ignition systemsIWK-144600
GliderIWK-144700
FlightIWK-145700
Fuel injectionIWK-145800
Fixed-Wing AircraftIWK-145900
HelicopterIWK-146600
Electricity & power systems (38)
BatteryIWK-137800
Voltaic PileIWK-137900
Copper wiringIWK-139400
ElectrolysisIWK-139500
Motors and GeneratorsIWK-139600
Electric lightingIWK-139700
RelaysIWK-139800
Electrical switchesIWK-139900
Electrical fusesIWK-140000
Circuit breakersIWK-140100
ResistorsIWK-140200
CapacitorsIWK-140300
TransformersIWK-140400
Electrical metersIWK-140500
Electrical insulationIWK-140600
ElectromagnetsIWK-140700
CommutatorsIWK-140800
Motor brushesIWK-140900
DynamosIWK-141000
AlternatorsIWK-141100
Induction motorsIWK-141200
Alternating currentIWK-141300
Direct currentIWK-141400
Electrical groundingIWK-141500
Power transmissionIWK-141600
Electrical substationsIWK-141700
Power gridsIWK-141800
Electrically Powered SawmillIWK-141900
Electric MotorIWK-142000
Electrical GeneratorIWK-142100
Arc LampIWK-142200
Incandescent LampIWK-142300
Lead-Acid BatteryIWK-142400
Zinc-Carbon Dry CellIWK-142500
Fluorescent LampIWK-145200
Nickel-Cadmium BatteryIWK-145300
LED LightingIWK-146300
Lithium-Ion BatteryIWK-146400
Electronics & computing (7)
The Fleming valveIWK-146000
Vacuum tubesIWK-146100
DiodesIWK-146200
TransistorsIWK-146700
SemiconductorsIWK-146800
Integrated circuitsIWK-146900
Electronic computersIWK-147000