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Subject: The Secret Life of Machines - Series 1,2 and 3 - [001/293] - "The Secret Life of Machines (series#1)(episodes1to6of6)(1988).txt" (1/1)
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The Secret Life of Machines (series#1)(episodes1to6of6)(1988).txt
http://www.secretlifeofmachines.com/
THE SECRET LIFE OF MACHINES
by Tim Hunkin
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Just how does a video recorder work? And how about fax machines, cars, washing machines, electric light, telephones, vacuum cleaners, and refrigerators? You'll find the answers here. This site is designed as a companion to the TV series 'The Secret Life Of Machines' written by Tim Hunkin, and presented by Tim Hunkin and Rex Garrod.
Series One: (1988)
Vacuum Cleaners
Sewing Machines
Central Heating
Washing Machines
The Refrigerator
Television
The Secret Life of the Vacuum Cleaner:
Before the invention of the vacuum cleaner, carpets and upholstery were taken outside and beaten once a year to get the dust out (the 'Spring' clean). Fitted carpets were totally impractical.
The Secret Life of the Sewing Machine:
The first patent for a sewing machine was taken out by an English cabinetmaker called Thomas Saint in 1790. It's doubtful whether he actually built his design, because, when one was made from his drawings 100 years later, it had to be extensively modified to work.
The Secret Life of Central Heating:
At first Roman houses simply had a fire in the middle of the room (the Latin for hearth is focus). But they probably had trouble with smoke as the Latin for living room is atrium (from ater meaning black). By about 400AD the Romans had perfected a form of central heating. The fire was lit outside in a furnace with hot air ducts under the floors and in the walls.
The Secret Life of the Washing Machine:
The earliest form of automatic washing was the nautical practice of towing clothes behind the ship. The combination of agitation and a constant flow of clean water washes the clothes quite effectively.
The Secret Life of the Refrigerator:
Commercial refrigeration equipment was first developed in Australia, where the winters weren't cold enough to produce much natural ice. A brewery was the first company to commission an artificial ice making plant (in 1865) so cooling Australian lager was the first use of artificial refrigeration.
The Secret Life of the Television:
John Logie Baird, the Scottish inventor, developed an electromechanical TV system in the 1920s and gave frequent public demonstrations. The publicity encouraged EMI to develop a practical all-electronic system, similar to today's. In 1936 the BBC transmitted both systems, but EMI's was judged superior.
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