He lived long enough to see the inventions of the
(1) telephone, (2) phonograph, (3) motion-picture camera and projector,
(4) electric lightbulb, (5) electric streetcar, (6) gasoline-fueled automobile,
(7) practical electric-power generation and long-range
transmission, (8) wireless telegraphy [primitive radio].

He lived long enough to see the development of a practical submarine,
of steel ships of over 10,000 tons displacement, of practical airships
[like the 100 kilometer range Lebaeuy brother airships; 1903].

He lived long enough to see the discovery of x-rays, radium, electrons, Quantum Theory,
cyrogenic substances [liquid gases], and the identification of the basic chemical substances and elements in the sun, stars,
and comets.

Jules Verne was more or less in the right place at the right time.