Perspectives – The Electric Telegraph

Before the telegraph was invented, messages could travel as fast as the fastest mode of transport available. Today, however, advanced communication technologies have changed the scenario to a great extent. Messages now travel at the speed of light through cables and optical fibers, and are delivered in the least time possible. Mobile phones have made … Continue reading »

Preview – The First Hydroelectric

“It is said, with prefect truth as regards many matters, that ‘a little knowledge is a dangerous thing’, but there is no doubt in my mind that even a little knowledge – provided it be sound knowledge – of allied sciences is of the very greatest value to engineers of all sorts.” -       John Willoughby … Continue reading »

Yours or Mine?

As the folklore goes, Narada once went to Lord Shiva and asked who Shiva’s better son was, Ganesha or Kartikeya. Shiva, the ascetic and the father, had no answer to what Narada thought was an easy question. So Narada decided to gift a mango to that son of Shiva who could go three times around … Continue reading »

Driving in Circles

People often wonder whether the world would be able to do something about its dependence on oil and its effects on the environment. A child asked the following question on Hidden Science (a mobile phone app developed by Orange Telecom and the Science Council UK where schoolchildren ask questions about science) “Are electric cars really … Continue reading »