In the history of engineering, the modern safety lift (elevator) that made multi-storey buildings practical was invented by which engineer?

Introduction / Context:
Modern cities with tall buildings depend on lifts, also known as elevators, to move people safely and efficiently between floors. The key breakthrough was not only lifting people but doing so safely, even if the lifting cable failed. This general knowledge question asks you to recall which engineer is credited with inventing the modern safety elevator that allowed skyscrapers to become practical and safe for daily use.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The question focuses on the invention of the modern lift or elevator.
• It specifically refers to the safety elevator that made multi-storey buildings feasible.
• We assume a historical context in the 19th century.
• The task is to identify the correct inventor among the listed scientists and engineers.

Concept / Approach:
The crucial development in lift technology was the introduction of a safety mechanism that would automatically stop the elevator car from falling if the hoisting cable broke. This innovation is associated with Elisha Otis, who famously demonstrated his safety elevator at the Crystal Palace exhibition in New York by cutting the cable and showing that the platform did not crash. To answer correctly, we must connect the concept of a safety elevator in tall buildings with the name of the engineer who became a symbol of safe vertical transport.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
You can verify this by thinking about elevator brand names seen in real life, such as Otis, which is directly linked to Elisha Otis. History of technology references also describe his 1854 demonstration of the safety elevator in which he deliberately cut the hoisting rope. The platform stopped safely due to his brake system, impressing the audience and leading to widespread adoption of his design. This is strong confirmation that he is the inventor referred to in the question.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Gerhard Domagk was a medical researcher known for work on antibacterial drugs, not elevators. Lee de Forest contributed to radio and electronics through the invention of the triode vacuum tube, not lifting devices. Nikola Tesla made ground-breaking contributions to alternating current and electrical engineering but did not invent the safety elevator system that bears Otis's name.

Common Pitfalls:
A common error is to choose a very famous inventor like Nikola Tesla simply because his name is well known in electrical engineering. Another mistake is to overlook less famous but highly influential inventors like Elisha Otis, whose contributions are sometimes forgotten outside of engineering history. Always pay attention to the specific field mentioned in the question, such as elevators, and then connect it to the appropriate specialist inventor.

Final Answer:
The modern safety lift used in multi-storey buildings was invented by Elisha Otis.