[Info-vax] Where is EISNER:: and who funds it?

[alanfe...@gmail.com]

OT: Sorry, but my very field has been attacked, and it's an important issue. So I have to respond.

OpenVMS tech tip: Establishing accurate WSQUOTA values is not as important as it was before v5.4-3 due to the proactive memory reclamation from idle processes bit.

On Tuesday, December 28, 2021 at 11:46:04 AM UTC-5, alanfe... at gmail.com wrote:
> On Tuesday, December 28, 2021 at 6:09:53 AM UTC-5, Jan-Erik Söderholm wrote: 
> > Den 2021-12-28 kl. 03:04, skrev alanfe... at gmail.com: 
> > > On Monday, December 27, 2021 at 6:50:50 PM UTC-5, Jan-Erik Söderholm wrote: 
> > >> Den 2021-12-27 kl. 22:28, skrev alanfe... at gmail.com: 
> > >>> On Monday, December 27, 2021 at 4:11:52 PM UTC-5, Scott Dorsey wrote: 
> > >>>>> alanfe... at gmail.com wrote: 
> > >>>>> 
[...]
> > >> So, what was your point again? 
> > > 
> > > That AFAIK, the U.S. has manufactured more new elements than other countries. 
> > And the practical usage is, what? 

[...]

Kindly let me add a few more more examples: 

NMR, short for Nuclear Magnetic Resonance. This was the process by which physicists measured the magnetic moments (strength of the magnetic fields) of protons and neutrons, e.g. I heard it actually started with an astrophysical bit. Regardless, you would have pooh-poohed it just the same. "Of what practical use is it?" I'll tell you: MRI. You've heard of that? It uses NMR to generate signals that are used to image various parts of the human body. And to be complete JIC, to diagnose disease and injuries. Capisce?

The laser -- this time I'll elaborate: Stimulated emission was theorized by Einstein in 1917. Lasers first came on the scene in maybe the 50s or 60s. Even then, I doubt anyone thought there'd be much use for them. Well, do I even need to list them? I think I do: fiber optics in networks, including the internet. Bar codes. Optical media. Surgery. Engraving. More science experiments. But back in 1917 or 1960 you would have complained it was of no practical use. 

Faraday's law of induction. People at the time asked what good it was. Supposedly the queen or king asked that, and Faraday said, "I don't know, but one day you'll tax it." Probably a made-up story, but it makes the point. 

This law is used for a variety of things: electric generators, even today. Kind of important, no? Transformers. Important! The ignition coil in your car (if you have one). The moving-coil phono cartridge. OK, not as important, but still true and useful.

Yet another one: the ozone hole. Studying the chemistry of Venus was an important part of this. See https://theconversation.com/what-venus-has-taught-us-about-protecting-the-ozone-layer-9200 

Even general relativity is practical many decades later. GPS navigation depends on it! (Look it up.)

Your heart is in the right place. John McCain made similar complaints. But if you watch the video I posted in my last post and carefully read my posts here, maybe you'll understand.

Basic research is vital. Targeted research is also vital, but it often needs the results of basic research.

So of what use are the manufactured elements? Indirect benefits to technology for all, and ask me again in 50 years. 

Basic research isn't just for nerd scientists. It benefits us all. One could write a book about it.

Alan  (^_^(