Dear Student
Joule is the first known to introduce thermodynamics. With his knowledge of thermodynamics, he invented displacement pump. He lowered a small pump into water all inside a cylinder of gun metal and with a piston with a plug fitted with oil leather. This device was a pump that he made from this he could very accurately measure temperatures.
Similarly other scientists use their knowledge of subject and apply it to invent new device. We all have knowledge but when apply it in a systematic and accurate manner, a device is invented.
Regards