Dubbed the "sage of Monticello " and the "godfather of American invention," Thomas Jefferson created a variety of practical devices, notably the dumbwaiter, lazy Susan, folding campstool, folding ladder and music stand, portable copying press, portable writing desk, revolving chair, cipher wheel for cryptography, moldboard plow, hemp-breaker for threshing machines, and improved carding machine. A native of Shadwell in Albemarle County, Virginia, Jefferson received a classical education from private tutors. At age 17, he entered William and Mary College and studied math and science. He was admitted to the bar in 1767, and practiced law in Williamsburg for two years.

Jefferson filled several political jobs, including county lieutenant, county surveyor, and member of the House of Burgesses and alternate to the Continental Congress. Following two terms as governor of Virginia, he retired to farm the land around his Palladian estate, Monticello. Many of his labor-saving devices date to his return to...