Numerous technological and scientific advances occured in 1913.\u00a0 As a change from the slew of predictions about the coming year, we thought we\u2019d devote our last post of 2012 to a look at the developments in science and technology 100 years ago.\u00a0 We will soon see whether or not 2013 will be as productive.<\/p>\n
The creation of stainless steel<\/strong><\/p>\n The development of stainless steel dates back to the late 19th<\/sup> century, when various scientists conducted work on iron-chromium alloys.\u00a0 In 1912, British scientist Harry Brearley was requested by a gun manufacturer to find a way to stop their gun barrels corroding.\u00a0 He decided to develop an erosion-resistant steel, and in August 1913 created a steel with 12.8% chromium and 0.24% carbon.\u00a0 This is thought to be the first ever stainless steel.\u00a0 Brearley immediately started work on the alloy\u2019s application in the cutlery industry.\u00a0 Read more on the British Stainless Steel Association\u2019s website<\/a>.<\/p>\n The definition of the quantum atomic structure<\/strong><\/p>\n Danish physicist Niels Bohr introduced the Bohr model of atomic structure in 1913, supplanting earlier theories such as the \u2018plum pudding\u2019 model, where electrons were thought to be scattered throughout a dense atomic structure.\u00a0 Bohr\u2019s concept built on Ernest Rutherford\u2019s 1911 model, which describes a nucleus surrounded by circling electrons.\u00a0 Bohr used quantum theory to explain the stability of this atomic structure, establishing the ground for the development of quantum mechanics.\u00a0 Read more on the PBS website<\/a>.<\/p>\n The first moving assembly line<\/strong><\/p>\n The Ford Motor Company introduced the first large scale moving assembly line in 1913. It was the result of years of investigation into ways of making the motor car affordable for the mass market.\u00a0\u00a0 The assembly line was used to manufacture the Model T and could produce a complete car much faster than the company\u2019s competitors.\u00a0 The result was a cheaper price and dominance of the automotive industry.\u00a0 Read more on the PBS website<\/a>.<\/p>\n The invention of the zip fastener<\/strong><\/p>\n Swedish scientist Gideon Sundb\u00e4ck patented what he termed a \u2018hookless fastener\u2019 in 1913.\u00a0 It consisted of parallel rows of teeth, interlocked by a sliding tab.\u00a0 The name\u2019zipper\u2019 was patented b y B. F. Goodrich Company in 1925, while the actual manufacture of the product was patented by the YKK group in 1934.\u00a0 In its early years, the product was most commonly used for closing boots and tobacco pouches, but was adopted by the fashion industry in the 1930s. Read more on Wikipedia<\/a>.<\/p>\n The first production of Formica<\/strong><\/p>\n In May 1913, the Formica Products Company was started with the aim of capitalising on its owners\u2019 1912 invention of Formica, a heat-resistant composite material.\u00a0 The product was originally designed to make electrical components, followed swiftly by other engineering uses.\u00a0 It took until the 1920s for Formica to be adopted for kitchen worktops, caf\u00e9 tables and other decorative uses.\u00a0 Read more on the Formica website<\/a>.<\/p>\n And some other innovations\u2026<\/strong><\/p>\n 1913 also saw the reopening of Grand Central Station after a complete re-engineering and renovation, the first published crossword puzzle, which appeared in the New York World (click here<\/a> to see the first puzzle), and the Parisian premiere of Stravinsky\u2019s Rite of Spring.<\/p>\n <\/p> Further reading<\/h3>\n\n
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