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Health & Fitness

Air conditioning: the most important invention of the 20th century?

Farmington, as many of its residents know, is headquarters of the Carrier Corporation. As the mercury soared and my students and I sweated in my classroom, I was reminded of the miracle of air conditioning and its connection to our town. Although the concept of air conditioning and its various forms have existed as far back as ancient Chinese and Egyptian societies, it was Willis Carrier, founder of his eponymous corporation, who invented the modern and most commercially viable form of "AC". AC has allowed cities and suburbs to emerge in tropical climates throughout the planet, and for people to be relieved of discomfort regardless of the temperature. It has allowed massive main frames of computers to function, from India to Israel, despite the native climate, and for cities like Atlanta, Dallas and Phoenix to thrive. So here's my question: do you think air conditioning is the most important invention of the 20th century?

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