99% Invisible Nuts and Bolts
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May 9, 2023 Roma Agrawal, a structural engineer behind the Shard and author of "Nuts and Bolts," dives into the fascinating world of small inventions that have revolutionized engineering. She unpacks the vital roles of nails, wheels, and springs, illustrating their profound impact on history and design. Agrawal also discusses innovations like the 'box-in-box' acoustic design and reveals how ergonomic considerations have shaped modern comfort. Along the way, she highlights the magnetic link between engineering and communication, showcasing how even the smallest tools wield big influence.
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Nail Horde
- Romans buried nearly a million nails in Scotland upon leaving a settlement.
- They feared locals acquiring the valuable iron and technology.
Burning for Nails
- Nails were once so valuable that colonists burned down houses to retrieve them.
- British colonies even banned nail export, highlighting their strategic importance.
Wheel Reinvention
- The phrase "don't reinvent the wheel" is misleading.
- Wheels have been constantly reinvented since their invention for pottery, not transport.
