050. Current Events
usedbooks on Sept. 6, 2009
Bringing you another true story in celebration of Gelotology's 50th update! You can't make this stuff up. I left out the part where Edison electrocuted a bunch of dogs with AC current to demonstrate how “dangerous” it was. (Of course, his motivation was money, not scientific soundness or safety.) Our current power grid could not exist without alternating current. Electric chairs actually use both alternating and direct current – it is the direct current that deals the fatal shock. If you want to learn more, read about the War of Currents.
The history of science is brimming with plot. Scientists have always been a combative lot. Mudslinging, back-stabbing, and not uncommonly dueling (yes, with pistols) have been an unofficial but prevalent part of the “scientific method.” In modern times, the weapons in the scientific community have changed, but the spirit has not. The most aggressive scientists still have their voices heard and their theories accepted while sometimes the more accurate models and theories stay in relative darkness until a later date. In time, most things get sorted out, but there will always be an opposing scientific view regardless of the validity of the accepted model. (For example, there is still a group who insist that the earth is flat.) If you ever hear the phrase, “scientists agree,” laugh. Loudly.
I was originally going to label the “switch” with a happy face and sad face, but this amused me more.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
In other news, Used Books won an award! ^_^
lothar at 12:02PM, Dec. 11, 2009
LOL i always thought it was an elephant he tried to kill
amanda at 2:27PM, Sept. 8, 2009
He electrocuted puppies? What a jackass.
Tantz_Aerine at 6:21AM, Sept. 8, 2009
Those smiley faces have something incredibly creepy and cynical in the same time. Excellent work! And congrats on your milestone!
ghostrunner at 9:10PM, Sept. 7, 2009
and i thought it was invented by a dentist ?
Locoma at 3:58PM, Sept. 7, 2009
Hehehe this one I was aware of, I also saw a documentary recently :D I loved your comments on the "scientists agree" thing, reminded me of the sitcom "the big bang theory", they're always fighting over theories
Gillespie at 10:51AM, Sept. 7, 2009
Great comic, especially the little details you included :P
Loud_G at 4:43AM, Sept. 7, 2009
Ha! I love it :D Funny and educational!
n_y_japlander at 12:33AM, Sept. 7, 2009
I like both just as equally!!! we would not be here looking at your strip if it was not of either of them!!! Congrats again on your well deserved win!! (^U^)
BffSatan at 11:59PM, Sept. 6, 2009
Tesla has got to be the most awesome scientist to ever live.
patrickdevine at 11:36PM, Sept. 6, 2009
I recall seeing a documentary about this, the first electric chair was named the Westinghouse after AC's biggest proponent company. It also worked very poorly using only AC. What can I say? Tesla was the better scientist but Edison was better at PR. I guess that's why High School history books mention Edison but not Tesla.
dontworrybehappy at 10:11PM, Sept. 6, 2009
awesome!!! congratz for the award and a really funny aceptance speach
Anubis at 10:11PM, Sept. 6, 2009
someone had to invent it Oh yes scientests agree.....agree to disagree (though some disagree wiht that)