4 ms·
> Galvani did experiments on the muscles of frogs in 1791, and proved that electrical impulses could animate movement. Galvani show us that there is something,
by sheffield 16y ago
> Galvani did experiments on the muscles of frogs in 1791, and proved that electrical impulses could animate movement.
Galvani show us that there is something, but it was only after the invention of telegraph that we understand, that it's information, what's transferred on nerves.
- mckoss 16y agoBut there is no evidence to show any sort of causal cross over between the two. You can wave your hands, and say that "obviously" people didn't understand X until we had Y - but there is no historical reference being made to support this claim. Gleick just throws it out because it "sounds right" to him (and us) given our current historical context. A popular science writer is not a trained historian or academic; but I do think readers of this genre deserve a level of journalistic integrity and depth that is missing here (note: I've NOT read The Information - and am basing my opinion on Gleick's past work and a recent interview about the book).