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On Mon, 3 Jan 2005 09:18:10 -0000, "altheim" <altheim@freeuk.com>
licked the point of a #2 Yellow Pencil, and wrote:

"DrPostman" <Looky@mysig.foremail> wrote:

snip

All technology was once based on a preconceived notion.

Wrong.  Most technology is based upon tried and true methods, and
previous understandings of technology.

<ahem> I'm not normally one to embrace pedantry but in
this case I will indulge:

Before anyone can apply their "tried and true methods"
they must first have an idea (notion) to apply those methods
on.

Almost all technology is based upon previous forms of technology.
Can you prove otherwise?

What??? you mean, like the invention of the motor car was based
on the prior invention of the wheel and the combustion engine?

Actually, it was the steam engine. And it evolved from horse and 
buggy, and locomotive technology. The principle that makes
the diesel engine work was known in the late 18th century.
Somebody just pulled the parts together and tinkered with them.

But even so, the motor car didn't evolve all by itself - someone had
to have the idea first.

The idea grew out of existing technology, nonetheless.



Widdershins

I've tried looking at things from your point of view,
but I can't get my head that far up my ass.