One hundred seventy years ago, tuberculosis was a lethal disease. This illness posed a significant threat to humanity, resulting in an estimated 1 billion deaths between 1700 and 1900. Notably, traces of tuberculosis have been found in the mummies of ancient Egyptian kings. In the late 1840s, German botanist Hermann Brehmer, confronted with the fatality of tuberculosis, relocated to the Himalayas in search of fresh air. Remarkably, he survived and is believed to have successfully fought off Mycobacterium tuberculosis in that less favorable environment for bacterial growth. As a result, numerous nursing homes emerged across Europe and the United States, including specialized facilities for tuberculosis care and luxury accommodations for the affluent. However, by the 1940s, many of these nursing homes began closing due to the emergence of antibiotics, which drastically changed their economic viability. Throughout history, it seems that economic value often proves transient. - Joseph’s “j...
The reason pencils can be writing instruments is due to pencil lead. The material used for pencil lead is graphite. The graphite element is carbon (C), and four carbon atoms are combined. One carbon atom can have four bonds and can combine with another element. Diamond is similar to graphite, with four carbon atoms. However, diamonds have four carbon bonds that create a strong covalent bond with other carbon atoms, while graphite has only one weak bond. We can write or draw with a pencil because of this loose combination. When you apply pressure to the pencil with your finger, this weak bond in graphite breaks, leaving some of the crystals damaged. Don’t view it merely as a pencil; it’s a diamond’s cousin. The degree of consanguinity is very, very close. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”