Births of Technologies Do Not Always Occur at Times of Invention or Discovery [Speaker's Corner]

Examines how the birth of a technology does not necessarily occur at the time of its invention or discovery. As an example, explores the origins and evolution of the microwave cavity magnetron. Suggests that the birth of a technology is not necessarily equivalent to inventorship. The latter could be at birth, or it could be well before the birth with evolutionary developments after invention and even after birth. Producing good histories of technology can help us in assigning credit to pioneer workers in technology.