|
Some humor for the weekend: Lateral Science
lateral science The Young Man's Book of Amusement This wonderful book was published in 1854 and it contains gems of Victorian experimental science. It`s unpromising, mildly suggestive title belies a veritable cornucopia of experiments, including the macabre "Galvanic experiments on the dead body of a criminal" lateral science EDISON -- The Menlo Park DRUGS BARON Thomas Alva Edison, you stand accused of the supply of poisons and dangerous drugs for human consumption. Namely Heroin, Strychnine and Opium lateral science Martinus Van Marum "discovers" a light blue gas in 1785 with the help of Mr. Cuthbertson Ozone liquifies as an explosive indigo-blue liquid & solidifies as violet crystals lateral science Victorian Nitrogen Laser A letter from Glitch to Faraday, dated June 1856, would appear to indicate the observation of laser action in air, more than a century before Maiman first demonstrated his ruby laser. lateral science Hittorf`s Metallic Phosphorus of 1865 Smithell`s cold flame, phosphoretted hydrogen & will o` the wisp, phosphorus agriculture - farming for bones .... Posted by: 3dc 2009-10-09 |
| http://www.rantburg.com/poparticle.php?ID=280702 |