Industrial Revolution

Dr. Livingstone, I Presume?

“I am prepared to go anywhere, provided it be forward.” Dr. David Livingstone Words hold power by generating an emotional response. For me, the word “resilience” has become one of my favourites; whenever it comes up in my readings and conversations, my thoughts become engaged on positive outcomes. Defined as the capacity to recover rapidlyContinue reading “Dr. Livingstone, I Presume?”

All the Children

“The smallest child in the factories were scavengers……they go under the machine, while it is going……….it is very dangerous when they first come, but they become used to it.” Charles Aberdeen worked in a Manchester cotton factory, written in 1832. Men of business and creative inventors are lauded for their contribution to the rise ofContinue reading “All the Children”

Mighty Machines

Mark Frauenfeder, Editor-in-chief, Make, wrote the “The spinning wheel made England into a powerhouse.” The spinning wheel in question, however, was not a home-style spinning wheel that resided in a rustic cottage in the country. The textile machines of the eighteenth century transformed a nation. Great Britain’s dominance in the textile industry was safeguarded becauseContinue reading “Mighty Machines”

Claims & Counterclaims

“Friendship is like money, easier made than kept.” Samuel Butler The Patent Race ended in a courtroom. In 1775, Richard Arkwright, ever the astute entrepreneur, patented an assortment of machinery for manufacturing cotton. Before long, much to his dismay no doubt, he was beset by a series of court cases that challenged his patents.Continue reading “Claims & Counterclaims”

The Patent Race

“The spinning wheel made England into a powerhouse.” Mark Frauenfelder, Editor-in-chief, MAKE We like to choose sides. It makes everything less complex because we allow ourselves to identify emotionally with something we value deeply. We cheer for a home team to show loyalty to our community. We give to a special cause because we believeContinue reading “The Patent Race”

James Hargreaves – Another Genius

“Talent hits a target no one else can hit; Genius hits a target no one else can see.” Arthur Schopenhauer There is a distinct cachet attached to the word “genius” for therein lies the suggestion that whomever possesses this gift transcends the realm of mere mortals. While many attempt to quantify and qualify the “genius”Continue reading “James Hargreaves – Another Genius”