Ángela Ruiz Robles

Overview

Ángela Ruiz Robles was a visionary Spanish teacher, writer, and inventor whose pioneering work often goes unacknowledged. Her most significant contribution was the invention of the 'Mechanical Encyclopedia,' a precursor to the modern e-reader, conceived decades before electronic publishing became widespread. This timeline highlights key moments in her life, demonstrating her dedication to education and innovation.

Main Milestones

Birth in Villamanín, León

March 28, 1895

Ángela Ruiz Robles was born in Villamanín, a small town in the province of León, Spain. Her early life in this rural environment likely instilled in her a deep appreciation for knowledge and a desire to make education more accessible, shaping her future endeavors.

Early Education and Teaching Career

Early 20th Century

Ángela pursued education and began her career as a teacher. Her experiences in the classroom revealed the challenges students faced with traditional textbooks, inspiring her to seek innovative solutions. This period marked the foundation of her commitment to improving the learning process.

Writing and Publishing

1930s - 1940s

Beyond teaching, Ángela Ruiz Robles also authored several books. These literary contributions showcase her broad intellectual interests and a dedication to sharing knowledge beyond the confines of the classroom. Her writing enriched her professional life as an educator.

First Patent Request for the Mechanical Encyclopedia

1949

Ángela submitted the first patent application for her 'Mechanical Encyclopedia,' a groundbreaking invention designed to lighten students' book bags and make learning more interactive. This marked the official beginning of her journey to revolutionize education with a mechanical reading device.

Patent Granted for the Mechanical Encyclopedia

March 7, 1950

Ángela Ruiz Robles was officially granted patent number 190,698 in Spain for her 'Mechanical Encyclopedia'. This acknowledged her innovative design, featuring interchangeable spools of text, illustrations, and a magnifying glass for easier reading. It solidified her status as a true pioneer of electronic reading devices.

Efforts to Produce the Prototype

1950s-1960s

Following the patent, Ángela dedicated her efforts to building a functional prototype of the Mechanical Encyclopedia. She sought funding and collaborated with engineers to refine her design and explore the possibilities of mass production. Despite facing financial and logistical hurdles, she persisted in her vision.

Death in Ferrol, A Coruña

October 27, 1975

Ángela Ruiz Robles passed away in Ferrol, A Coruña. While her invention did not achieve widespread commercial success during her lifetime, her concept laid the foundation for the development of modern e-readers. Her contributions were largely unrecognized until later in the history of ebooks.

Recognition and Legacy

Late 20th - Early 21st Century

Posthumously, Ángela Ruiz Robles has received increasing recognition as a visionary inventor. Her Mechanical Encyclopedia is now celebrated as a remarkable precursor to the e-reader, highlighting her forward-thinking approach to education and technology. This recognition cements her place in the history of technological innovation.

Other Themed Timelines

Early Life and Education Timeline

Invention and Innovation Timeline

Personal Life and Family Timeline

Recognition and Legacy Timeline

Teaching Career Timeline

Themed Timelines

Talks

Media Collections

Overview

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