That is, by how often they have been invented. Of making obvious what was previously invisible. An idea which, although good, either requires a significant further development or is not suited to the needs or capacity of the culture in which it is produced. Another is the digital computer, the principles of which were developed by Charles Babbage and Lady Ada Lovelace ca. An idea that is produced complete and intact, upon which no substantial improvement is necessary for a long time, despite the changes which it generates within the culture.
Examples are the invention of perspective in ca.
The alphabet and monotheism are outstanding examples of this class, having endured essentially unchanged since their invention. Ideas that are seminal, though they have been invented repeatedly. 3100 B.C. and Mayan, ca. 600 B.C. and perhaps three times if the Chinese system ca. 2200-1400 B.C. proves original.