science newsletter: Newsletter for Friday 13 April

Παρασκευή 13 Απριλίου 2012

Newsletter for Friday 13 April

Newsletter - April 13 - Today in Science History

TODAY IN SCIENCE HISTORY
NEWSLETTER - 13 APRIL

Feature for Today

Book of the Day

On 13 Apr 1771, Richard Trevithick was born, an English inventor whose "Cornish engine," was the world's first self-propelled steam vehicle.In its design, he used the hot flue gasses to heat the water in the boiler, so improving efficiency.Sadly, lacking business acumen, he died in poverty. Today's Science Store pick is Richard Trevithick: Giant of Steam, by Anthony Burton,who will open your eyes to the unsuing genius of this most remarkable contributor to the Industrial Revolutio. New Price $22.00. Also available Used from $2.22 (as of time of writing).

Quotations for Today
	"Freud expressed the opinion—not quite in earnest, though, it seeemed to me—that philosophy was the most decent form of sublimation of repressed sexuality, nothing more. In response I put the question, 'What then is science, particularly psychoanalytic psychology?' Whereup on he, visibly a bit surprised, answered evasively: 'At least psychology has a social purpose.' " - Ludwig Binswanger, Swiss psychiatrist (born 13 Apr 1881)
	"Branded with folly and madness for attempting what the world calls impossibilities. This has so far been my reward from the public, but should this be all, I should be satisfied by the great secret pleasure and laudable pride that I feel in my own breast from having been the instrument of bringing forward new principles and new arrangements of boundless value to my country, and however much I may be straitened in pecuniary circumstances, the great honour of being a useful subject can never be taken from me, which far exceeds riches." - Richard Trevithick, English mechanical engineer and inventor who in 1803 successfully harnessed high-pressure steam and constructed the world's first steam railway locomotive (born 13 Apr 1771)
	"I have wished to see chemistry applied to domestic objects, to malting, for instance, brewing, making cider, to fermentation and distillation generally, to the making of bread, butter, cheese, soap, to the incubation of eggs, &c." - American president in quiz below (born 13 Apr 1743)

QUIZ
Before you look at today's web page, see if you can answer some of these questions about the events that happened on this day. Some of the names are very familiar. Others will likely stump you. Tickle your curiosity with these questions, then check your answers on today's web page.
Births
	Sir Robert Alexander Watson-Watt, born 13 Apr 1892, was a Scottish physicist whose invention of radar played a vital role in the defence of Britain again German air raids in World War II. *The name "radar" comes from the beginning letters of four words that describe its function. What are these four words?*
	Richard Trevithick, born 13 Apr 1771, was an English mechanical engineer and inventor who successfully harnessed steam at high-pressure and constructed the world's first steam railway locomotive. *In which decade was this first steam railway locomotive invented?*
	A U.S. president, born 13 Apr 1743, had wide-ranging interests in science and invention. At his estate, he practiced scientific farming, always on the lookout for significant new plants. Among other activities, he collected fossils and funded scientific efforts. *Can you name this President?*
Deaths
	Annie Jump Cannon (1863-1941) was an American astronomer who specialized in the classification of stellar spectra at Harvard University. She reorganized the classification of stars in terms of surface temperature in spectral classes O, B, A, F, G, K, M. Her career was successful, despite a disability which struck her as a young adult. *What was her disability?*
Events
	On 13 April 1869, the first U.S. patent for an air brake for railroad cars was issued to an inventor who went on to gain fame by establishing alternating current electricity distribution. *Can you name this inventor?*

Answers

When you have your answers ready to all the questions above, you'll find all the information to check them, and more, on the April 13 web page of Today in Science History. Or, try this link first for just the brief answers.

Fast answers for the previous newsletter for April 12: "Kiss of Life"; vitamin A; Columbia; Yuri Gagarin; thorium.

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