Postcard, Gatling Gun, Linoleum, Ratcheting Wrench

The postcard concept appeared in 1861 in the U.S. John P. Charlton patented the idea. He had help from Hymen Lipman inventor of the pencil eraser. The postcard is simple and useful. It is a front and back rectangular card. It spread to England in 1870. The Eiffel Tower was a popular postcard. Some people collect postcards. 

The Cannon was the most powerful weapon in the 1800s. The volley gun fires multiple cannonballs at once. Richard Gatling was born in North Carolina in 1818. He taught school for a while. When he was 36, he moved to Saint Louis. He became a doctor. The Civil War provided his source of inspiration. He wanted to save lives by lessening the amount of soldiers needed on the battlefield. He invented the Gatling Gun in 1861. It's a rapid firing, multi-barrel gun. The modern Gatling gun can fire about 4,000 rounds in a minute. He demonstrated the gun in live combat.

Fredrick Walton was born in England in 1834. He patented linoleum in 1863. Linoleum is a durable floor covering. It can be imprinted with decorative designs. It is made out of linseed oil, combined with sawdust and cork. It was a popular floor covering until the 1950s. 

J. J. Richardson patented ratcheting wrench in 1863. It allows very quick tightening. Easier to get into small spaces. Today, it is a standard technician tool. Original models sell for a lot.