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January 10, 2025 • 15 mins
The latest episode of the Bell's Books and Blog Podcast, hosted by Jane M. Bell, begins the new year with a fascinating look at three influential inventors: Nikola Tesla, Frederick Jones, and Zhang Heng. Tesla's pioneering work on alternating current electricity is explored in detail, from his tumultuous life to his influential role in the 'War of the Currents.' Frederick Jones, who transformed the refrigeration industry with his mobile refrigeration unit and positively impacted the food logistics industry, is also celebrated. Lastly, Zhang Heng's remarkable invention of the world's first earthquake detector, or seismoscope, from ancient China is examined. The stories of these individuals are used to inspire listeners about the power of innovation, reminding them of the significant impact that creative and determined minds can have on our world.
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Episode Transcript

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Speaker 1 (00:04):
Welcome to The Bell's Books and Blog podcast, the place
where history, mystery, and suspense converge. I'm your host, author
Jane M. Bell. As we start getting used to writing
twenty twenty five, it's a time to think about how
this fresh new year might unfold. There's something magical about
the beginning of a new year. It often makes us
reflect on the passage of time and the amazing innovations

(00:26):
that have shaped our world. This moment of renewal always
inspires me to look back on the trailblazers whose ingenuity
built the foundation we stand on today. In this episode,
we're going to celebrate a few of these visionaries who
turned ideas into innovations that continue to impact our lives. First,
we'll delve into the brilliant and tumultuous life of Nikola Tesla,

(00:48):
whose revolutionary work on alternating current electricity lit up the
modern world. Next, will honor Frederick Jones, whose mobile refrigeration
system change the way we transport and preserve our food,
revolutionizing the logistics industry. Finally, we'll travel back to ancient
China to explore the world's first earthquake detector, a marvel

(01:09):
of engineering from nearly two thousand years ago. So join
me as we explore the stories of these remarkable individuals
and draw inspiration from their creativity and determination. Let's forge
ahead together, remembering the brilliant minds that paved the way
for our bright future. All right, let's start our journey

(01:30):
with Nikola Tesla, a name synonymous with innovation and electrical engineering.
Born on July tenth, eighteen fifty six, in Similian, Croatia,
Tesla's early years gave no indication of the wild, brilliant
ride his life would become. Despite facing many hardships, Tesla
went on to revolutionize the world with his work on
alternating current AC electricity systems. Alternating current it's such a

(01:55):
fundamental part of our daily lives now, but it wasn't
always the case. In the late eighteen hundreds, the debate
over the best way to transmit electricity, alternating current versus
direct current was fierce. Tesla's work in developing AC systems
allowed electricity to travel much greater distances efficiently, which was
a monumental game changer. His AC system ultimately triumphed over

(02:19):
Thomas Edison's direct current in what was famously known as
the War of the currents. The victory of AC technology
paved the way for the massive and reliable electrical infrastructure
that powers our homes and businesses today. But Tesla didn't
stop there. He was a prolific inventor, holding roughly three
hundred patents by the end of his life. Tesla's innovations

(02:41):
went beyond electrical systems. Imagine a world without wireless communication,
induction motors, or even the dazzling Tesla coils with their
dramatic electrical discharges. These inventions were all fruits of Tesla's genius.
He even envisioned technologies like robotics, renewable energy, and inter
planetary communication, many ideas that were far ahead of his time.

(03:05):
Despite his brilliance, Tesla's life wasn't an easy one. Financial
difficulties plagued him. Many of his ideas, although groundbreaking, were
considered impractical or too advanced for their time, making it
hard for him to secure consistent funding. One of the
most notable conflicts he faced was with Guglielmo Marconi over
the invention of the radio. Though Marconi received much of

(03:27):
the credit and financial reward, it was Tesla's prior patents
that laid the fundamental groundwork. It wasn't until nineteen forty three,
the same year Tesla passed away, that the U. S.
Supreme Court finally recognized his contributions to the technology of radio.
In addition to financial woes, Tesla had his share of
personal quirks, which only further added to his enigmatic persona.

(03:51):
He developed an obsessive compulsive disorder, became deeply fascinated by pigeons,
and even spoke of ambitious projects like a death ray
capable of ending war. While the death ray never came
to fruition, it symbolizes Tesla's endless imagination and illustrates how
his ideas push the boundaries of conventional thought. Today, Tesla's

(04:12):
legacy shines brightly through the many technological advancements he made possible.
He is immortalized by the Tesla Electric Car Company, a
nod to his contributions to energy and innovation, His works
at the foundation for the electrical world we live in,
serving as an everlasting inspiration for scientists, engineers, and dreamers alike.

(04:33):
Tesla's story reminds us that visionary ideas can reshape the world,
even if the path to bringing those ideas to life
is fraught with challenges. So as you flick on a
light switch or recharge your devices, take a moment to
think about Nikola Tesla, the brilliant mind whose innovation continues
to light up our lives. And now, let's honor Frederick

(04:54):
McKinley Jones, the man who kept our food fresh and
revolutionized the refrigeration industry. His journey from humble beginnings to
becoming one of the greatest inventors of the twentieth century
is nothing short of inspiring. Frederick Jones was born in Cincinnati, Ohio,
in eighteen ninety three, and faced numerous challenges from a
young age. Orphaned at nine and leaving school after eighth grade,

(05:18):
Jones worked as a janitor while harboring an insatiable curiosity
for mechanics. He taught himself engineering principles by studying books
and tinkering with discarded machines. By twenty he had earned
an engineering license, a rare achievement for an African American
in those times of systemic racial barriers. His love for
innovation and problem solving would soon cement his place in history.

(05:42):
In the nineteen thirties, the demand for fresh produce, dairy,
and meat highlighted the limitations of traditional transport methods. Without
reliable refrigeration, perishable goods often spoiled before they could reach
markets far from their source. Farmers, businesses, and consumers all
suffered from this inefficiency. Seeing an opportunity to solve a
pervasive problem, Jones partnered with entrepreneur Joseph Numero and developed

(06:07):
the first portable refrigeration unit. This groundbreaking invention, patented in
nineteen thirty eight, allowed trucks to transport perishable goods over
long distances without spoilage, fundamentally transforming the food logistics industry.
Jones's mobile refrigeration unit wasn't just a milestone for food preservation.
It proved to be a life saver. During World War II,

(06:30):
the US military adopted his technology to preserve blood, medicine,
and food on the battlefield. His portable cooling systems ensured
that critical supplies reached soldiers in remote locations without spoiling,
playing an essential role in wartime logistics. For his contributions,
Jones became the first African American elected to the American

(06:51):
Society of Refrigeration Engineers in nineteen forty four, a recognition
of his monumental impact on the field. Not stopping there,
Numero co founded the Thermoking Corporation in nineteen thirty eight,
a company dedicated to advancing refrigeration technology. Thermo King remains
a leader in the industry to this day. Jones held

(07:11):
over sixty patents, forty of which were in refrigeration, but
his innovations extended to other fields as well, including movie
projection and sound systems. His diverse talents and relentless curiosity
kept him at the forefront of mechanical innovation. The mobile
refrigeration unit did more than just preserve food. It democratized

(07:31):
access to fresh produce, dairy, and meats across the nation.
It revolutionized farming and shipping by enabling growers to reach
both national and international markets. Today, it's hard to imagine
a world without the convenience of refrigerated transports, a world
where fresh produce was an available year round. Frederick Jones's
ingenuity not only changed the food industry, but also enhanced

(07:54):
the quality of life for countless people. Let's now journey
back to ancient China and meet Jog Hung, a brilliant
polymath who created an invention that was hundreds of years
ahead of its time. The world's first earthquake detector, known
as the seismoscope. This device was invented in one hundred
and thirty two a d and remains a marvel of

(08:15):
engineering even by today's standards. Jang Hung was a renowned mathematician, astronomer,
and engineer. He created the seismoscope to address a vital
need tracking earthquakes across China's vast territories. The bronze device
was shaped like a large vase and beautifully decorated with
eight dragons positioned around its surface, each holding a metal

(08:36):
ball in its mouth. Below each dragon, there was a
bronze frog with an open mouth, ready to catch the ball.
When an earthquake occurred, the internal mechanism, likely involving a
suspended pendulum, would detect the tremors. The dragon in the
direction of the earthquake would release its metal ball into
the corresponding frog's mouth, producing an audible sound and indicating

(08:58):
where the earthquake had struck. This ingenious design allowed even
those in distant locations who couldn't feel the tremors to
become aware of seismic activity. Jiang Hung's seismoscope made history
in one hundred and thirty four a d when it
detected an earthquake four hundred miles away from the capital Luoyang. Initially,
skeptics dismissed the alert since no tremors were felt in

(09:20):
the city. However, days later, messengers confirmed a disaster in
a distant region, validating the device's accuracy. This early warning
system was a breakthrough, providing ancient China with a means
to respond more effectively to earthquakes and organize aid for
affected areas. But Jiang Hung's work didn't stop at the seismoscope.

(09:42):
He made significant advancements in numerous fields. As an astronomer,
he created detailed star maps and improved celestial models. He
also developed precise water clocks and made strides in calculating
pie showcasing his extraordinary versatility as a scholar. Jiang Hung
was a true Tue renaissance man centuries before the Renaissance.

(10:03):
Though the original seismoscope has been lost to history, replicas
based on ancient descriptions allow us to marvel at its
design and functionality. Today. These recreations highlight the innovative techniques
jog Hung used to detect earthquakes, demonstrating humanity's enduring quest
to understand and harness the forces of nature. Jiang Hung's
legacy is a testament to human ingenuity and the timeless

(10:27):
desire to push the boundaries of what is possible. His
contributions to science and technology remind us that the pursuit
of knowledge and innovation stretches across centuries and cultures, forever
shaping the world we live in. So next time you
hear about a technological marvel, think back to Jong Hung
and his Seismoscope, a true marvel of ancient engineering that

(10:48):
set the stage for what was to come. Now, let's
take a moment to reflect on the theme of this
week's podcast with some whispers of wisdom from the past.
Henry Stanley Haskin once said, what lies behind us and
what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what
lies within us. Another quote that aligns well with our
discussion this week is vision without action is merely a dream.

(11:12):
Action without vision just passes the time. Vision with action
can change the world. These sage words come from Joel A. Barker,
and now, dear listener, I'd love to hear from you
which invention or innovator has had the greatest impact or
inspiration on your life. Please drop me a note at
news at Janembell dot com. I look forward to reading

(11:34):
your messages. I'd like to thank l W for writing
in in response to last weeks your turn question with
life is too precious to dwell on the past, but
onto the future. I'd also like to thank doctor S
for your encouraging remarks regarding my blog. Thank you so
much for writing in. Your letters always make my day.

(11:57):
Now let's turn our focus to some awesome reading recommendations
and exciting announcements. If you've been craving a gripping psychological thriller,
check out Yester Year's Ruin. This mesmerizing tale of love, despair,
and the quest for redemption is available for free download
when you sign up for my weekly blog. This story
dives into the essence of human resilience in the face

(12:19):
of unimaginable loss. Don't miss your chance to add this
title to your e book collection. Yesteryear's Echo is the
first in a heart pounding series where history and madness collide.
The story is the sequel to Yester Year's Ruin. As
Bower digs deeper into the dark mystery, he uncovers disturbing
truths about his family's involvement and a cryptic project known

(12:40):
as Case forty seven. Bower finds himself and his family
showing strange and unexplainable symptoms, which thrusts him into a
race against time. It's a roller coaster that will keep
you questioning what's real until the very last page. If
you enjoyed The Silent Patient and Shutter Island, Yesteryear's Echo
will be right up for our younger listeners or those

(13:03):
young at heart. Mystery at c Edge, a Monterey Adventure
is a delightful historical mystery aimed at fourth grade level readers.
This book follows siblings Wicic Rindy, and their cousin Less
as they navigate personal prejudices and uncover clues from a
mysterious figure in the fog to a golden locket. Set
in Monterey, California, This adventure is both educational and engaging,

(13:26):
making it a perfect addition to any child's reading list. Also,
I encourage you to check out the following books from
my fellow indie authors, Ava Raimi, FBI Mystery thriller four
book series by Axel Blaze, Cloaked Legends, The Patriarch by S. Bingham,
Mother to Elephants, The Story of Daphne Sheldrick by R. G.

(13:49):
De Rouen, and finally, Frontier Justice, a Danny Coogan mystery
Frontier series book one by Michael Cardwell. Also, I'm currently
participating in a New Beginning for a New Year book promotion.
Get these books soon as this promotion ends February sixth.
All the links to books mentioned in this week's podcast
can be found in the show notes. We've traveled through

(14:10):
time today celebrating the incredible contributions of Nikola Tesla, Frederick Jones,
and Jong Heng to our modern world. Tesla's revolutionary work
on alternating current electricity illuminated the globe, while Jones's mobile
refrigeration system transformed food preservation and logistics. Meanwhile, Jang Hung's
ancient seismoscope demonstrated the beginning of humanity's quest to understand

(14:33):
natural forces. Their stories remind us of the power of creativity, determination,
and innovation. These trailblazers faced numerous challenges, yet their visions
reshaped our world. So as you go about your daily life,
take a moment to honor their legacies. For more information
on today's topics, don't forget to check the show notes

(14:54):
keep exploring, keep seeking inspiration from the past, and remember
that every great invention starts with a spark. Thank you
for joining me on this journey through history. This has
been The Bell's Books and Blog podcast and I'm your host,
Jane M. Bell. Until next time, keep questioning, keep reading,
and above all, keep the past alive.
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