They say that the creation of the vacuum-tube gave birth to the 'electronic-age'; it all began 100 years ago tomorrow.
The vacuum-tube was used in radios, radar, television, hearing-aids
and the first electronic digital computers.

Microwave ovens still use them; so do rock-and-roll 'purists'
in their amplifiers.

Could you imagine a world where no transistors were invented?
Could you imagine somebody trying to invent internet using
the vacuum-tubed computers?...You would have to go to special buildings
housing them to collect punch-card e-mails, and have a technician/stenographer type out your latest "forum" message [no internet
anonymity].
BTW! The first vacuum-tube [diode tube; the triode tube came 3 years later] was invented by a Dr. Fleming; I was
taught a class in high-school by a Mr. Fleming, a distant relative.

Jacob S.