science newsletter: Newsletter for Friday 4 May

Παρασκευή 4 Μαΐου 2012

Newsletter for Friday 4 May

Newsletter - May 4 - Today in Science History

TODAY IN SCIENCE HISTORY
NEWSLETTER - 4 MAY

Feature for Today

Book of the Day

Quotations for Today
	"We may always depend on it that algebra, which cannot be translated into good English and sound common sense, is bad algebra." - William Kingdon Clifford, English mathematician and philosopher (born 4 May 1845)
	"Any one who is practically acquainted with scientific work is aware that those who refuse to go beyond fact, rarely get as far as fact." - An English biolist in the quiz below (born 4 May 1825)
	"Tedious as it may appear to some to dwell on the discovery of odds and ends that have, no doubt, been thrown away by the owner as rubbish ... yet it is by the study of such trivial details that Archaeology is mainly dependent for determining the date of earthworks." On the importance of pottery to an archaeologist. - English archaeologist in the quiz below (died 4 May 1900)

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
	On 4 May 1899, Fritz von Opel was born He became a German automotive industrialist, but he had an interest in another form of transport propulsion. *Can you name the novel automobile propulsion?*
	An English biologist born 4 May 1825 was the best-known supporter of Charles Darwin and his theory of evolution. He debated Samuel Wilberforce on the subject. His scientific interest began with reputation as a marine biology while a ship's surgeon, but he later turned to the study of fossils, especially of fishes and reptile. He coined the word agnostic to describe his own beliefs. Can you name this biologist?
Deaths
	An Englishman (1827-1900), who was often called the "father of British archaeology," stressed the need for total excavation of sites, thorough stratigraphic observation and recording,. *Can you name this archaeologist?*
	William Froude (1810-79) was an English engineer began by working for the British railway system as a civil engineer, but a few years later began a career as a naval engineer. He was a laboratory scientist whose work was of great value to the British navy. *What problem did he address, and what technique did he use?*
Events
	In 1973, this U.S. building topped out at 1,454-ft tall. In fact it is 1,707-ft tall if its twin antennas are included, making it taller than the Empire State Building in New York. Can you name the building? And in what city was it built?
Events
	In 1886, three patents were issued to Chichester Bell and Charles S. Tainter concerning their invention. Thomas Edison's invention preceded theirs, but the newly patented invention used an approach that made a more practical design that replaced Edison's, and was used for many years. What was the invention?
Events
	Since 1780, when this U.S. society was chartered, to the present day, it has had many famous people as its members. Since its early days when its membership included the likes of Benjamin Franklin, George Washington, numerous notable scientists have been enrolled. To say that the society is known by its initials AAAS will make it an easier question to answer. Can you give the full name of this society?

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 May 4 web page of Today in Science History. Or, try this link first for just the brief answers.

Fast answers for the previous newsletter for May 3: he formulated the electroweak theory, which explains the unity of electromagnetism with the weak nuclear force; that electrons exhibit the wave-like property of diffraction; war; Rocky Mountain spotted fever; heart transplant.

Feedback