How have humans benefited from science in the past?

Without having a copy of the text or knowing the publisher, I cannot provide you with the examples directly stated in your text. Humans, however, have benefited from science since the beginning of time. From the discovery of fire, to learning the benefits of plants and herbs for medicinal use, to the most rudimentary examples of technology, science has built upon itself over the centuries, and most of these discoveries and theories have benefited humans. Medicine, agriculture, transportation..... all of these things have progressed through the work of those who began with nothing more than an idea. Many theories, of course, have also been proven incorrect..... that's because they're theories...... we still have a lot to learn.