HIST 100: Engineering The Past

Haskins-Bridges

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In regards to the way people choose to frame and or depict the two different bridges: in the images of the Golden Gate bridge, all of the photographs seem to emphasize the length of the bridge, all of the photos are horizontal. In contrast to the Brooklyn Bridge where there are more photos that are close up, capturing all of the many wires and bars creating the bridge. The photos of the Golden Gate Bridge seem to keep the ocean as a key part of the photo with the cityscape as a dim background. It seems like there is somewhat of a theme in regards to using the city as a key part of the background, but also again the biggest theme seems to be focusing in on parts of the bridge and its lines. There seems to be a lot of photos that rely on the sunset in the background of the Golden Gate Bridge. Where as the Brooklyn Bridge seems to have a lot of dark colors, black and white, cloudy skies, which I think is because the bridges design is dark strong and bold, working well with darker colors and backgrounds.

With 50 plus years time difference, there should be obvious differences in designs that reflect society at the time. The Brooklyn bridge is thick and bold in terms of the towers, almost royal looking, which I think would have been influences by the second industrial boom that occurred around that time. The Golden Gate bridge has skinny tall towers, I think it gives to the art deco period that peaked in the 20s. It is very sleek and modern compared to the Brooklyn Bridge. Which seems like it would fit well with the roaring twenties and the modern social changes that occurred.

I would think that both bridges were a huge part of both cities history and to change either of them would take from the history of both bridges. Both bridges are tourist destinations because of the history, design, strength, and engineering, to me it would never make sense to change the design of either of the bridges. I think that both cities value the popularity that both bridges brought in terms of tourists coming to see the bridges then and maybe even more so now. I know I would be proud if I was from either city, knowing that both bridges contributed so largely to history, art and engineering.

Prownian Method of Analysis: Logan

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Prownian Analysis of a Miscellaneous Bathroom Item

Description: I found a small elongated cylinder about 8 inches tall and weighing about 75-100 grams. The container has a grey body and a red cap, the bottom of the object has a twistable ring that rises and lowers the contents of the cylinder. The cylinder contains is a gel like blue solid with a distinct fresh and slightly floral smell. The contents have a moist texture but seems to dry quite fast without leaving any residue behind.

Deduction: Because of where I found it, it would seem to be some sort of hygiene tool used to keep the user smelling fresh and clean with its scent. The adjustable bottom allows for the contents to be lifted up once it has been used, similar to the way chapstick works. Also like chapstick, the contents must be rubbed on the skin in order to be applied by the user. The scent as well as the quick drying of the contents leads me to think that it would be applied to places on the human body that produce odor and sweat.

Speculation: This bathroom object is small in size which makes it convenient to bring in the car, to the gym, on camping trips, etc. Maybe this item is used by poorer people who can’t afford the luxury of showering and good hygiene, so this helps hide foul odors or maybe it is used by lazy people who don’t like to or want to shower. Athletes might use this after practice or game since they have worked up a sweat and are starting to smell.

  1. What ingredients help neutralize odors and prevent the user from smelling foul?
  2. Which smells are most refreshing and what demographic chooses what scents more?
  3. Why is the composition of the contents hard, yet moist and easily rubbed off while using?

Peer Review Citation and Reliable Article Citation

Ballarin, B., A. Mignani, F. Mogavero, S. Gabbanini, and M. Morigi. 2015. “Hybrid material based on ZnAl hydrotalcite and silver nanoparticles for deodorant formulation.” Applied Clay Science 114, 303-308. Academic Search Premier, EBSCOhost (accessed January 21, 2016).

Synopsis: The author explains the chemical make-up of what molecules are the key ingredients in neutralizing odors in deodorant. Commonly used zinc ricinoleate is the leading ingredient in commercial deodorizers but after testing a new hybridized material called (ZnAl–Ag NPs ) based on silver nanoparticles and ZnAl layered double hydroxides (ZnAl LDHs) on gram-negative bacteria, the new material has a higher deodorant activity than the prior material, zinc ricinoleate. The author focused mainly on the chemical make-up of what makes deodorant work and also compared new possible ingredients that will better the activity of deodorizers. The explanation of how they tested on the bacteria with different types of equipment helps the reader understand the science behind neutralizing the odor causing bacteria which is the basis of why these products are made.

Fontanez, S. 2008. “Body Odor Through the Ages: A Brief History of Deodorant.” Mental Floss Magazine. (accessed January 21, 2016).

Synopsis: Since the beginning of time, humans have dealt with foul odors and tried to cover them up. Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans all figured the best way to cover the odors was by using perfumes and fragrances to mask the scent such as incense, carob, aromatic oils and waxes. In the middle ages, the people who couldn’t afford perfumes stank all their lives because being naked was considered a sin even for bathing. In 1888, the first commercial deodorizer was sold but its main ingredient, Aluminum Chloride, irritated the skin and dissolved clothes. It wasn’t until the 1960s when the first aerosol, Right Guard, was made which created the billion-dollar industry we have today. The author checked the history behind deodorant as far back as the Egyptians and researched to see how humans dealt with odor since the dawn of time. She also checked more recent history on which commercial products helped revolutionize the industry and which products were stepping stones to what we see on the shelves today.

The Prownian Method: Kyle Mitsunaga

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Prownian Method: Kyle Mitsunaga

Step 1 Description: This object is about 5 to 6 inches long, there appears to be a charging input built into this object. I also notice that this object has an oddly shaped head with razors on it. Looking closer to the razor it seems as if they are very sharp. The object at room temperature is not hot or cold to the touch. The object looks as if there has been some technological thought put into it. This object looks sturdy and durable that will last you a while if taken good care of.

Step 2 Deduction: The user of this object seems as if it would be a male or female. It would be safe to say that this object may be use by males that are older than 15 years old, with little leeway. Since there is a built in charger with a cord I could say that this person could use it if they were to travel. Also professionals could use this object.

Step 3 Speculation: Maybe the person or male that is using this object is trying to clean up his look. Going hand in hand with that maybe this person is looking to just trim a beard. Maybe the person that is using this object is a professional and needs this object to be able to carry out his or hers performance. The person that owns this electric razor understands how to use it, and know how to take care of the blades such as oiling it down from time to time.

 

Questions about the electrical razor:

  1. Does the buyer of this object need instructions on how to operate it?
  2. Are younger kids safe to use it? Is there any danger hazards relating to the product?
  3. Are there different techniques how to use this product?
  4. How does one electrical razor differ from competitors?
  5. Does the shape make a difference for what you are using for?

 

 

Bibliography

“Effectiveness of Razors Put to the Test.” Dermatology Nursing 14, no. 6 (December 2002): 413. Academic Search Premier, EBSCOhost (accessed January 20, 2016).

 

In this peer reviewed article it tackles the scientific side of razors whether it be electrical or not. We get an understanding what razors are better for your skin and which one dermatologist suggest.

 

 

“The Razor Blade: History’s Cutting Edge : Culture: Scientists Know ThatAncient Man Shaved. But the Razor Was an Undocumented Implement until 1290.” Los Angeles Times. 1992. Accessed January 20, 2016. http://articles.latimes.com/1992-07-26/news/vw-4938_1_razor-blade-edge.

 

This article the author focuses on the history of the razor going all the way back to when they first tested it out. Furthermore we learn about Gillette the razor company and how they went from selling 50 razors to 300,000 razors.

 

Additional Information:

 

In the web based article found in the Los Angeles Times the author makes it clear the history of the razor. The razor industry stated in the article “was thriving by the 18th century.” I connected this with the prownian method just by how quickly this industry because a vital part of our culture. I believe it is safe to say that most males and females that are the appropriate age would have had an experience using a razor whether it is electric or not. It is material culture since we use them frequently and most people today own one.

 

My peer-reviewed article took a different approach that made it a little harder to connect it to the prownian method. Like I said it took on the science on which razor is better for your skin. As we see new technology we are soon going to see new ideas with razors in the future I’m sure. In a since this razor phenomena is something that is so simple but yet such a huge part of our culture. People would look different today if we didn’t have razors; therefore it’s something that is connected to us, and our culture as a whole.