| This question <1|1> overall <334-6|2> Soccer: <326-1|18>. |
| Question 26: Bring other examples in the history of science where some marginal curiosity later turned out to be the spontaneous manifestation of an all-important but hidden force. |
| [1] Soccer: Economics Every thing is made up of an assemblage of many properties, and therefore can be useful in many ways. Throughout history many things were considered useful due to one of their unique properties, and later even more useful properties were discovered. Oftentimes the first property that was considered useful was not nearly as useful as other properties that were discovered later on. |
| The first example to come to my mind would be the discovery of Sir Issac Newton on the laws of gravity. This simple disvovery lead to Einstein's Theory of Relativity and eventually to the discovery of Atomic energy. In this case a very simple principle was taken further and very powerful ideas were formed. |
| A second example would be the gyroscope. This unique spinning device was first really used as a neat toy, which was very entertaining. Now the gyroscope is used in both airplanes and satellites for its balancing properties. In satellites for example the gyroscope allows the satellite to stay in a specific orbit in regards to the earth. |
| Another example would be the discovery of radio waves. Their unique properties were first used in transmitting sound through radios. This transmission was confined to small areas. Now we use radio waves for much more technical and very long distance communication. Our cellular phones and satellite communications work by way of these radio waves. Thus a very unique property was found to have even more powerful uses. |
| Finally a more simple example is that of water. Obviously water has always been essential to the survival of humankind. Water not only has its obvious properties that we all enjoy, it also has been found to have other great properties. We are now able to create power by simple water power. And even more incredible is the ability to use water to cut, which is used in lasers and other types of machines. |
| It is very evident that oftentimes some object's most noticeable property is not always the most useful. I am sure that we are still using many things will unique properties that could be used for even more important or useful purposes. |
| Hans: You took the Question very broadly and got a little into rambling. In this class I want to emphasize precise thinking and a close reading of every word. |
| Here are more points as discussed in class: |
| You redefined the question. The question you really answered is: |
| Bring examples for something that was first known for some useful properties, but later other uses were discovered. |
| Newton's discovery of the law of gravity was not simple. And it did not lead to relativity. This is monism. Relativity is a different theory. |
| Gyroscope is a good example which fits in the framework of the original question. |
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