Browsing articles in "Science"
Mar
19
2011

Who Invented the Abacus

Abacus

Abacus is the oldest calculating and counting device. Its origin dates back to 2700 – 2300BC in the Sumerian times. However, abacus as we know today was invented by Chinese during 2nd century BC. It is also referred to as counting device that has been used in Asia and Africa for arithmetical calculations. The development of abacus can be classified into three stages namely Ancient Age, Middle Age and the Modern Age. Prior to the […]

Mar
19
2011

Who Invented Calculus

Calculus

The vast history of calculus has its history that goes back to 1820 BC. Egyptians had calculus but did not know the exact formulas, some of which are today considered invalid. Later on Archimedes developed the study of limits which was earlier studied by Greek mathematician Euxodus. The formulas for finding the areas of geometrical shapes were later developed in countries like China in 3rd century AD. The history of derivative came in 12th century […]

Mar
19
2011

Who Invented Boolean Logic

Boolean Logic

Boolean logic was first invented 19th century by George Boole after whom the branch is named. Boolean logic is considered as the main base for computer digital logic and has paved way for information technology. He is known for his statement where he said that no general method for solution of probability can be established which doesn’t recognize the universal laws of thought. According to him the laws of thought form the basis of all […]

Mar
19
2011

Who Invented Astrology

Astrology

Astrology is an ancient science which was originated by the Babylonians and its use can be dated back to as early as 3000B.C. The term ‘astrology’ is a Greek word literally meaning ’Science of the Stars’. The Babylonians applied this science to predict future events such as wars, metrological conditions, famines etc. It is believed that they were the first ones to notice how the position of the sun influenced the seasons and the agricultural […]

Mar
19
2011

Who Invented Algebra

Algebra

Algebra is the major branch of mathematics that deals with study of operations and relation, construction methods, concepts, polynomial equation and much more. A mathematician named Al-Khwarizmi invented the algebra. He wrote about algebra in one of his books in the year 820. The term algebra has been derived from the Arabic word Al-Jabr, which means equation and was the title of inventor Al-Khwarizmi’s book. He was the first person who has solved the difficult […]

Oct
3
2009

Who Discovered Potassium

Potassium

Potassium is represented by the symbol K, from the Latin word kalium. Its atomic number is 9. Potassium was first derived from potash. It is quite easy to spot natural potassium because it is soft and silvery. It is an alkali metal that rusts fast when exposed to air and water. Potassium is found in nature as ionic salt. There is a large amount of potassium in seawater. Minerals have potassium, too.The cells in our […]

Oct
3
2009

Who Discovered Pi

Pi

Pi is a strange number. It is an irrational yet real number that is equal to 3.14159. According to Euclid, 3.14159 is the ratio of a circle’s circumference to its diameter. No matter how many decimals you bring Pi to, it never repeats a number sequence. Earliest calculators of Pi Pi has been known and used for thousands of years.   The ancient mathematicians of Babylon were using Pi as early as the 19th BC. Pi’s […]

Oct
3
2009

Who Discovered Magnets

Magnets

Magnets are magical objects that can hold things together without hands. It is because a magnetic object has a magnetic field. The field attracts metallic bits and pieces such as pins, clips, hair, and a host of others.   Who discovered magnets As to who discovered magnets first, it looks like the ancient Greeks are the strongest contenders. It is said the Greeks first observed lodestone attracted iron bits. Another version of the story goes […]

Oct
2
2009

Who Discovered Hydrogen

Hydrogen

Hydrogen is found all throughout the universe. It is very flammable and is also found in most life forms, especially plants. We consume daily doses of hydrogen through water and food. Who discovered hydrogen T. Von Hohenheim is widely credited as the discoverer of hydrogen gas (H2) in the 15th century. Von Hohenheim accidentally discovered hydrogen by mixing acids and metals.  He did not know for sure that the two would produce a new chemical […]

Oct
2
2009

Who Discovered Iron

Iron Symbol

There is evidence that we have been using iron for the last 5000 years. Iron is found anywhere in the planet. It is also the cheapest metal. Iron comes from minerals called hematite and magnetite. Iron can also be found in other minerals such as taconite, siderite, and limonite. Where did iron come from It is widely believed iron came into the Earth along  with meteors. The meteor-borne iron contained about 8% nickel. Evidence of […]

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