1973
catalytic conversion
“Among the most troublesome air pollutants produced by automobiles are chemically active nitrogen oxides. Bell Labs researchers reacted nitrogen oxides with reducing gases (hydrogen or carbon monoxide). , discovered catalysts that convert nitrogen to harmless by-products such as water and carbon dioxide, which can be coated onto ceramic supports to make filter-like devices that can be installed in automobiles. So far, such devices have only been tested in the laboratory, and further testing is needed to see if they can withstand harsh conditions such as the exhaust systems of long-running vehicles. We are facing increasingly stringent federal standards to reduce carbon monoxide, unburned hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides in gases.”
1923
Discovered by: Nebraskan
At a recent meeting of the National Academy of Sciences, Dr. Henry Fairfield Osborne announced the discovery of a tooth that gives evidence of an unknown prehistoric species of ape intermediate between apes and the earliest humans. This discovery was made by Harold J. Cook in the Middle Pliocene Formation of Nebraska. The tooth does not match any known living or extinct ape or human tooth.Dr. Osborne classified it as a new species and genus and named it Hesperopithecus harold cookies, which means “ape from the west discovered by Harold Cook”. Fossils were found in the upper layers of the Snake River bed associated with rhino, camel, antelope and early horse fossils. Until now, no ape specimens have been found in America. ”
Within a few years, the new classification was proven false. Withdrawn in 1927.
artificial rain
“There have been many successful reports so far. [artificial weather making] Upon investigation, it turned out to be an illusion. Currently, a method that dispels clouds and fog and turns clouds into rain is inexpensive enough to be universally applied to the benefit of aviators and others working at McCook Airfield near Dayton. , Ohio on behalf of the Army Air Service. The process consists of spraying charged sand from an airplane onto the clouds, clearing them and creating an early storm. I don’t understand why this process is so extensive. Grains of sand quickly lose their electrical charge and behave like other mineral dusts found in the atmosphere. ”
1873
House of Vesuvius, stunning lava views
“A small building stands about two-thirds of the way up on the Vesuvius side and is clearly visible. In cloudy or wet weather, a thick veil of smoke surrounds the summit. Such a stream surrounds it and seems to flow well below its level.It is in this building, in such a perilous location, that the famous Italian scholar, Professor Palmieri, has set up an astronomical observatory, where he Watched the volcanic spasms with amazing bravery as the house stood amid a torrent of liquid fire, the heat cracking windows and scorching the hard stone walls. The knowledge gained has recently been provided to the world in a well-written volume containing data of invaluable support in future investigations of volcanic phenomena. I propose to supplement his efforts by changing from an intermittent volcano to a constant volcano, from Vesuvius to Stromboli.”
scientific interest economy
“It is worth noting that scientific subjects have recently received more attention from newspapers. [because] It is becoming more common knowledge that discoveries that at first seemed to have no application have contributed to general interest. The magnetic and electrical experiments that led to the invention of the telegraph were done solely out of curiosity. No one could have predicted that spectral analysis would be used in the production of steel. Other cases can be noted to illustrate the proposition that all possible additions to the physical sciences are economically viable. ”
