Man Bests Machine, This Time
Courtesy of Asaph CousinsCommon knowledge says that the more expertise scientists gain in their specializations, the less they know about anything else. I know plant physiology: Biochemical assays, chlorophyll fluorescence, and gas analyzers comprise my world. Yet here I am, facing off with a malfunctioning heap of electrical gadgetry, armed with a soldering iron, voltage meter, and lab goggles.Taming a tangled web of wire and conduit was not in today's game plan. I intended to use the instrumen
Mar 14, 2004
Courtesy of Asaph Cousins

Common knowledge says that the more expertise scientists gain in their specializations, the less they know about anything else. I know plant physiology: Biochemical assays, chlorophyll fluorescence, and gas analyzers comprise my world. Yet here I am, facing off with a malfunctioning heap of electrical gadgetry, armed with a soldering iron, voltage meter, and lab goggles.
Taming a tangled web of wire and conduit was not in today's game plan. I intended to use the instrument, not do battle with it. The Machine, or The Beast, depending on its performance, was created by my boss. The Machine is a temperamental tool with which nobody wants to have a bad day. At its best, it conveniently combines the functions of many instruments, measuring and controlling for multiple variables.
Please work today; that was all I asked. A corn seedling was ready, having spent the night in its...
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