And to be fair, you could also thank Roman architect Vitruvius (if you read Vitruvius’ texts he notes that famed Greek mathematician/inventor, Archimedes, constructed his elevator-like design in 236 B.C.), but if you’re a full appreciator of the modern-day elevator like me, the one that allows wheelchair-users to maneuver through 21st century cities like everyone else, your thanks really belongs to Elisha Otis.
It was Elisha Otis, who in 1852 invented the safety brake for elevators. A HUGE deal for the time (and really, still is). Up until 1852 various hydraulic-powered elevators had already been in use, but only for freight and animals. Elevators were deemed unsafe for frequent passenger use due to the possibility of the cab falling to earth, if the cable ever broke.
Ever since I had to say 'adios' to using stairs after my diving accident and become a full-time elevator-user, the possibility of dying in a freak several-stories-fall elevator accident has been my worst fear. Well I’m here to say if you’ve ever worried about this, don’t. Yours and my worst fears are misplaced, for no one has had to worry about such a thing since before the invention of the safety brake (you can thank Hollywood for planting that seed).
Otis’ safety break, which he dubbed an “improvement in hoisting apparatus,” changed everything. The brake worked by locking the elevator in place via a lock and tooth mechanism, which is the basis of the design that is still used to this day. The brake would be automatically activated whenever the cab exceeded a certain speed. Too bad Otis died at 49 and never saw his invention become the precipice for the modern-day skyscraper, which happened 20 years after his death.
I’m glad Otis’ safety brake gave architects the freedom to design buildings that were over six stories tall - because hey, I love a pretty skyline as much as the next gal - but honestly...I’m more happy that the brake, and therefore subsequent invention of mass-produced passenger elevators, 1) Appealed to the lazy side of humans, and 2) Became - and continue to be - affordable. Elevators now number 700,000 in the USA alone.
As a user of a wheelchair, this is definitely point: me.
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