Necessity is the mother of invention – an often used term that could also apply to describe what, exactly, leads to ‘that’ eureka moment when a solution is found to a problem.
It has been stated by Dr. Roy S. Irani, in previous issues of gasworld, that almost two centuries ago, way back in 1815, the composite cylinder industry was born. Here it is claimed that Napoleon, unable to reach enemy lines with his cannons, strengthened their barrels by wrapping strong iron wire around them. This additional reinforcement then gave them a capacity of accepting more highly charged cannon balls, capable of travelling further, thus breaching enemy lines. Although unknown to him at that time, he unwittingly became the founder of a thriving composite industry in the 21st century.
The creation of cylinders, to this day, allows humans to achieve all manner of feats from the spectacular ability to breathe underwater to the not so incredible ability to carbonate drinks. The latter being not so spectacular in comparison to the former, but is leading to a prospective boom in living conditions – like in formerly deprived areas of East Africa.
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