Displacement - The Q Factor

Finally getting to Q’s question – sorry about the delay, bud. The question was, if I was sent back to the middle ages, what would be the first invention that I made . Unlike the others, I am answering this on more of a serious level. I’m also twisting the question somewhat, to read what technology would you first start, based on the tech level back then.

On the surface, this should be an easy question. But when you consider the actual technology level back then, it becomes just a bit harder. You can’t really invent the lightbulb, simply because they did not have the capability to create a working glass bulb that would hold a semi vacuum. So that’s down the tubes. Same with a modern day weapon to revolutionize warfare. Alloys alone would screw you on that. Running water and a flushable toilet – within the realm of possibility. You can do a lot with wood and pottery. It may be a little leaky at the flush point, but its possible. You just need a score of peasants to keep running water buckets from the well to the water storage at the top of the castle. Or a steep area of river that you could run an aqueduct from. The Romans already had aqueducts anyway, so the only thing you’d be recreating is a toilet.

As my final choice, I’d have to say that I would have to rediscover antibiotics – penicillin. It takes a dish and something to feed the fungus and mold. Even considering the unsanitary conditions, I’m quite sure I could set up something close to a low tech lab. Plenty of peasants to test it on, too. So there’s your answer, Q. Nothing exciting to write home about but I tried to give it a little thought. Thanks for the idea. Only, if we’re gonna do this temporal displacement, make sure you drop me AFTER the Black Death took its course.

Michael