^A cool "I didn't know" from the invention book I'm reading. the
   hydraulic jack was invented way back in 1812. THAT explains how
   all those big bridges got built, giant metal ships and things.
   hydraulic press invented in 1795 (only 20 years after the
   American Revolution, George Washington and all that) - i can see
   how technology and working with metal and other modern "Big
   Things" were suddenly possible, rather than just wood and horse
   hoof glue, or strapping together sticks and such.^