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School

University of Ottawa *

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Course

2129

Subject

History

Date

Feb 20, 2024

Type

rtf

Pages

3

Uploaded by dwang123

HIS 2129 B History 2129: Technology, Society, and Environment since 1850 Professor: Jean-Louis Trudel Office hours: by appointment (Zoom) Assignment 1 (Answers) Option A: (double-spaced; outside sources may be used, but must be cited properly) 1) Identify at least two (2) of the keys to the creation of Edison's system of electricity distribution to his new incandescent lamps in New York. Elaborate sufficiently. [2 points] One point each for any two (2) of the following: (i) parallel wiring: the distribution network of electric current used parallel circuits to connect the lightbulbs; (ii) New York's municipal "franchise" that allowed the distribution system's construction; (iii) the creation of a central station (with a powerful generator); (iv) a more durable lamp filament: this involved finding the right high-resistance material for the filament, to be able to use a (relatively) high voltage (lower though than the voltage used in later AC systems), and including a thermostatic regulator to prevent filaments from burning out. (Hughes, pp. 30-32, 34, 37-38.) 2) In the late 19th century, what two (2) technological innovations allowed the cattle industry to raise its animals on small pieces of land instead of the open range of the Plains? [2 points] One point for each of the following: (i) barbed wire (ii) silos One point for aquifer pumping with windmills (for irrigation and thirsty cattle) so long as a full reference is provided. (Trudel, pp. 91-92.) 3) Name a species that was likely transferred in ballast water from North American coastal waters to a European sea where it initially ravaged local marine life. [1 point]
The comb jelly. (Trudel, p. 22.) 4) According to the available evidence, when did Edison begin to investigate systematically the gaslight industry of his day? [1 point] In 1879-1880. (Hughes, p. 29n30.) 5) Identify two (2) factors that led to the conception of "technology" as a theory of the practical and productive arts, encompassing various crafts and techniques. [2 points] One point each for any two (2) of these factors: (i) the recognition that the useful arts and crafts was multiplying, and that they were not a fixed number, so that a larger, all-encompassing category might be sought; (ii) the need to improve technical education for economic development and to offer a general theory of the subjects to be taught; (iii) the drive to apply science to daily life, in the wake of the Scientific Revolution , led to a more rational approach of the arts and crafts that were redefined as "technology": a way of turning knowledge into productive applications; (iv) as the Industrial Revolution produced economic growth and success stories, more attention was paid to the useful arts responsible, leading observers to a general definition. (Trudel, pp. 3-4.) 6) According to Hughes, what is one specific advantage that inventors derive from working to correct a reverse salient in a technological system? [1 point] Edison himself noted that improving one weak component in a system will inspire improvements in other components, leading to an overall improvement of the system's performance or profitability. (Hughes, pp. 22-23.) 7) In the mid-19th century, how did some U.S. observers connect the rise of steam power to deforestation? Explain fully. [1 point] In 1856, the Scientific American connected deforestation (for cultivation and for charcoal
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