Science & Discovery
65 sourced historical stories, arranged by subject.
Science & DiscoveryWatt's key steam-engine improvement was a separate condenser
James Watt was not the first inventor of the steam engine. One of his major improvements was condensing steam in a separate chamber, reducing the repeated heating and cooling of the cylinder.
Science & DiscoveryWheat breeding helped Australian farms meet local conditions
William Farrer bred wheat varieties to suit Australian farming conditions, working to improve resistance and useful grain qualities. His experiments at Lambrigg contributed to the Federation variety and other strains. The results connected patient crossbreeding with practical changes in the country's wheat industry.
Science & DiscoveryAn unknown ray revealed hand bones in a photograph
While studying cathode rays in 1895, Wilhelm Röntgen discovered a new form of penetrating radiation. He named it with X, the symbol for an unknown quantity, and produced a famous image of a hand.
Science & DiscoveryZhang Heng's instrument aimed to identify an earthquake's direction
Historical accounts describe Zhang Heng's earthquake instrument as a mechanism that released a bronze ball from a dragon's mouth corresponding to a direction, signaling where a distant earthquake had occurred.
Science & DiscoveryA zipper's slider joins two rows of teeth
A zipper uses a slider to bring together or separate the successive teeth along two sides. Early patents underwent repeated improvements before the structure became convenient for clothing and luggage.