History of 22nd May- Skyscrapers & Airplanes
A devoted foodie with keen interest in wild life, music,…
Today’s episode of this series includes the sensational history of 22nd May. The stories are from the years 1888 and 1903 and are about the patent for the construction of Skyscrapers and Airplanes respectively.
Here we are again, facing the start of another week. The Emails and the to-do list replace the delicious Kosha Mangsho of Sunday. Don’t you think Monday is like that annoying cousin who shows up uninvited to the party? Now, I need to summon every ounce of motivation and caffeine to tackle the challenges Monday has laid out for me. But before that let me share the history of 22nd May.
Reaching the Sky
The Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world. But here’s a juicy tidbit for you: if it weren’t for Leroy Buffington’s ingenious display of skyscraper construction way back in 1888, we might all be living in skyscraper-less sorrow today! Imagine a world without the skyscrapers, where we’d have to settle for measly mid-rise buildings that barely tickle the clouds. Let me explain in my first story from the history of 22nd May.
It was 22nd May 1888 when an important milestone was achieved by Leroy Buffington. Leroy was an innovative American engineer and inventor. He was granted a patent for his groundbreaking system of constructing skyscrapers. This notable achievement forever changed the landscape of urban architecture and paved the way for the magnificent towering structures we marvel at today.
Buffington’s patented system revolutionized the construction industry by introducing innovative techniques and materials that enabled the safe and efficient erection of tall buildings. Before his invention, the height of buildings was limited by the structural constraints and challenges faced during construction.
Buffington introduced several key elements that facilitated the construction of skyscrapers. His ingenious design involved the use of iron and steel framework combined with concrete or masonry walls, allowing for increased stability and load-bearing capacity. This method was a significant departure from traditional building practices and allowed for the vertical expansion of cities, especially in densely populated urban areas.
Over the years, Buffington’s principles and techniques have been refined and adapted by subsequent generations of architects, engineers, and construction professionals. Their contributions have further improved the safety, efficiency, and sustainability of skyscraper construction, leading to the awe-inspiring architectural marvels that define the present-day cityscapes.
May the legacy of Leroy Buffington’s pioneering patent inspire future generations of architects, engineers, and inventors to push the boundaries of what is possible and continue shaping the world we live in.
And now let us fly to the year 1900 with the second story from the history of 22nd May.
The Flying Machine
Leonardo da Vinci conducted groundbreaking research on flight during the 1480s, marking the beginnings of serious study in this field. He meticulously documented his theories on flight through more than 200 detailed drawings and sketches. One of his notable inventions was the ornithopter, a flying machine designed to imitate the movement of bird wings by flapping. This innovative design served as a demonstration of da Vinci’s vision for human flight. However, this design was never built by him.
It was only after a long 426 years that mankind achieved the incredible milestone of soaring through the sky. And it was this day in the year 1906 when Wright Brothers were granted a patent for their remarkable invention, the “flying machine.” So let us delve into this fascinating history of 22nd May.
This patent came to the Wright Brothers after three years of relentless dedication and tireless pursuit of their dreams. The patent number 821,393 stands as a testament to their innovative spirit and pioneering vision.
Wilbur and Orville Wright, the two visionary brothers from Dayton, Ohio, had embarked on their journey long before the patent was granted. In 1903, after countless experiments and prototypes, the Wright Brothers achieved the impossible. They successfully conducted the first controlled, sustained flight of a powered aircraft. Their aircraft, the Wright Flyer, soared through the air near Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, marking a momentous leap forward in human progress.
However, the Wright Brothers knew that their work was far from complete. They understood the importance of protecting their invention and its intellectual property rights. Hence, on May 22, 1903, they filed an application for a patent, outlining the intricacies and design elements of their flying machine.
Therefore, the next time you find yourself aboard an aircraft, take a moment to pay homage to the Wright Brothers and their enduring legacy. Their remarkable achievements serve as a constant source of inspiration, urging us to chase our aspirations, conquer challenges, and turn unimaginable into a tangible truth.
That’s all for today. See you tomorrow.
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A devoted foodie with keen interest in wild life, music, cinema and travel Somashis has evolved over time . Being an enthusiastic reader he has recently started making occasional contribution to write-ups.