Posted on 01/08/2008 3:27:21 PM PST by nickcarraway
Indians had the know-how for nanotechnology, one of the latest branches in science, from 18th century only, a Nobel Laureate in Chemistry said on Monday.
Robert F Curl, the Nobel Laureate, said right from the 18th Century, Indians were using nanotechnology, and the sword of Tipu Sultan is one example.
However, he refused to comment as to whether they were using it knowingly or unknowingly.
Similarly, there are examples of the use of nanotechnology in preparing glass in Rome, he said speaking to media persons on the sidelines of a lecture.
He also said that there are several examples of people using a technology, by trial and error method, long before it assumed a form of complete branch of study.
Curl was in Hyderabad to deliver a special lecture on "The Strange Chemistry of Elemental Carbon: An opportunity for nano materials", at IICT.
The noted scientist said people at that time may not have the required technical knowledge but the exceptional stuff they were preparing is an example of nanoscience.
Krishna Dronamraju, President, Foundation for genetic research Houston, JS Yadav, Director Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (IICT), Hyderabad, were also present on the occasion.
How does he define nanotechnology?
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Mystery of Delhi’s Iron Pillar unraveled
Press Trust of India | Sunday, July 21, 2002 | Editorial Staff
Posted on 07/21/2002 4:15:49 PM EDT by vannrox
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/719966/posts
Mystery Of Delhi’s Iron Pillar Unraveled
India Express | 7-18-2002
Posted on 03/13/2005 4:55:06 PM EST by blam
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1362059/posts
That’s one question and I am certain the ancients didn’t have a systematic nanotechnological approach to this art of sword making. They probably discovered a technique that unwittingly utilized a nanotech principle that they discovered would make swords stronger/sharper/not rust/etc.
They are claiming that forge welding ie Damascus steel was first invented in India. This is a process where by steel is folded onto itself when hot and then welded by forging with a hammer. The process is repeated over and over till there are many, perhaps hundreds of layers. Carbon is incorpotated into the iron in the process and very hard steel results. It is also known from very old times in Japan.
The article makes the claim but offers no hint as to hoe the process is nanotech.
Good point. They’d almost knead to make use of it.
In Windsor Castle there is a kind of trophy room with assorted gifts (translation: loot) from around the world.
One of the featured items is a golden throne of the Sultan of Taipoo. I assume this is the same guy.
I don’t remember the sword, my eyes glazed over looking at the throne. It is a massive throne made entirely of gold with the armrests ending in full-size leopard heads with large emeralds for eyes.
Taipoo? I’d never have made it there. “All hail the Sultan of Taipoo, ah hah hah hah” [beheading noise]
It was NOT science if they did not know what they were doing, even if they could reproduce what they had done. Science is knowledge. That is the word.
I hear that Taipoo was real hot sh*t, back in the day....
I think there’s a Taipoo exercise video around here... oh wait...
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