Forgotten Precursors

This is a book of educational essays dedicated to people curious to learn about distinguished engineers and scientists whose quest was to discover, build and transform the world. Its chapters, filled with photos, sketches, and quotes, bring to life the visual and written legacy of these geniuses. Several “sidebar” reveal examples of the earth’s own spectacular formation or of an engineered structure built around it with passion and care. A witty physicist, Richard Feynman, had both the scientific knowledge and the social charisma to discover and explain the basic physics of matter with its infinitesimal composition and extraordinary power. This scientist however gave his logical opinions on many other subjects of interest to society. It took the imagination and insight of George Lemaître, to propose the theory of the birth and expansion of the universe, based on preceding observations and personal findings. He did not find in his faith the philosophical obstacle or thoughtless argument against the magnificent facts of the world. Jean Muller combined Art and Technology in designing and constructing some of the most marvelous, long-span, and lasting bridge structures, worldwide. He conceived and built structures that bridge nature with a graceful outline and with a personal care. Then comes the story of two soil engineers, Arthur and Leo Casagrande, who emigrated from war-torn Europe, although thru different circumstances and at various periods of time. They established the foundation of a young engineering specialty to solve old problems; earth slope failures, settlement of buildings, and water seepage thru dams. Their story is a dual testimony of the American dream. Another essay examines educators and engineers, such as Coulomb and Rankine, who, applying novel theories and calculations and performing daring field constructions and tests, challenged themselves to set up and confirm the rules for the design and construction of earth retaining walls. Finally, the appeal to the study of earth strata brings forward the story of two scientists and men of God; a beatified Bishop of the 17th century and practicing priest of the 21st century. Steno and Skehan, born in unlike times and continents, were however gifted with an innate aptitude and a divine blessing that guided and inspired scientists and laypeople around them.