[QUOTE=cochrane]
The assembly line may indeed be a 19th century invention (although that’s disputed) but it was Henry Ford who put it to work in the 20th century and revolutionized manufacturing.
[/QUOTE]
Actually, like the steam engine, the assembly line can trace it’s origins much farther back. One of the European powers back in the age of wooden ships, used an assembly line setup. It’s briefly discussed in one of James Burke’s works.