Inventors and their survival inventions for a deserted island

Forsaken Island

Christopher Sholes -- Typewriter (1867)

Sholes' major input was both the primitive typewriter and the QWERTY keyboard that was later developed to refine his typewriter. While the initial goal of the typewriter was the creation of a way to number book pages, tickets, and other documents, the machine's development later proceeded to include letters. The first model was sent out to stenographers for testing; the QWERTY keyboard system is still being used today. A typewriter would be an excellent invention on the island, assuming there would be plenty of reedy papyri or some sort of paper-like plant substance to be used for typing. It is a major equipment for putting down thoughts to paper, and should somebody else be stranded in the same island, the typed-up papers might even provide some reading entertainment or maybe even advice!

3. Alexander Graham Bell -- Metal detector (1881)

Contrary to popular belief, the telephone was not the only invention Bell came up with. The metal detector was something he did quickly, in order to find the bullet that was launched into U.S. President James Garfield. Unfortunately, the bullet was an unsuccessful finding attempt, as the detector was confused by the metal frames on the President's bed. Still, the tool can work wonders, especially on an island. Metal deposits could be handy in creating tools and other materials that may not be easily found on the island to begin with.

4. Earle Dickson -- Band-Aid (1920)

Dickson was an American cotton buyer for the Jonson & Johnson Company, and was made Vice President of the same company after his creation of the popular adhesive bandages. It was first devised due to the fact that his wife was usually prone to cutting herself with a knife while she cooked and did household chores. With the use of gauze, and crinoline for sterility and safety, the bandage was a success and the Band-Aid brand became a household name. First aid should always be a priority in the island, and having small Band-Aids around would definitely keep the infection risks at a low.

5. Elias Howe -- Refined Sewing Machine (1846)

Howe had a difficult time selling his patent on the refined sewing machine, though he did successfully reclaim the rights for his refined cross-stitch invention in a case against the Sewing Machine Company. While he did not invent the first primitive sewing machine, his added features were most notable, as they are still used in the modern sewing machines today. These features include the needle with the eye at the point of the machine, the automatic feed, and a shuttle that operates beneath the cloth to form the lock stitch. Clothing must be made somehow, right? So it would be no surprise that things could be easily tailored and fitted with a sewing machine at one's side. It would be the only logical choice amidst the inventions.