Slashdot Mirror
Jan. 11, 1902 — Popular Mechanics Is Born
Today, back in 1902 Henry Haven Windsor published the first issue of Popular Mechanics, helping to empower geeks of future generations with straightforward explanations of scientific and mechanical advances. "The magazine has reported both the brilliant and ridiculous ideas of its times, depending on the writer, scientist or editor. It once published an article about a Philadelphia physician who supposedly used X-rays to turn blacks into whites: probably not a great editorial decision. Betting on blimps over planes for so long might not have been advisable, and hyping excessive consumption during the birth of the environmental movement in the 1960s also rates a demerit. But beyond those probable transgressions, Popular Mechanics paved the way for the people’s incursion into science’s once-exclusive domain. Its longevity argues that science and its sometimes inscrutable possibility have raw mass appeal — even if the subject is cars with steering wheels in the back seat or self-diagnosing appliances."
It once published an article about a Philadelphia physician who supposedly used X-rays to turn blacks into whites...
Actually, he turned white people into charcoal, which is technically black.
Popular Mechanics was not about science at all. It was mainly engineering and technology. Science is something else entirely.
I picked up a copy of PM, for the train trip home. Over all not bad, but I kept looking forward to the ads in the back. When I finally got the the ads, I was disappointed. No ads for highly improbable devices, no ads for army surplus jeeps at $20. I miss the old days!
Now get off my lawn!
If I were God, wouldn't I protect my churches from acts of me?
... has reported both the brilliant and ridiculous ideas of its times, depending on the writer, scientist or editor.
For a minute, I thought they were talking about slashdot!
#fuckbeta #iamslashdot #dicemustdie
If they weren't, we'd all be flying autogiros and speaking Esperanto by now.
This ain't rocket surgery.
They have pride of place on the shelf in 'the smallest room' and make great bogtime reading.
... everyone seemingly on the make ...
You know, there are other, less lavender, ways of communicating the same ideas...
... favourite ...
Ah, nevermind. I see what the problem is now.
"Popular Science? More like Nerdular Nerdence."