Bottlenecks 2024: Reading Materials

The reading materials sent to participants of Bottlenecks 2024, held in Los Angeles on the topic of Revolutionary Science. This PDF collects together 4 reports; (1) Introduction to Quantum Biology, (2) A Concise Overview of Wolfram's Research, (3) Summary of Leverage Introspection Research, and (4) A Summary of Samo Burja Thought.

Easter Bunnies and Early Stage Science: Initial Report

A preliminary investigation into Easter Bunnies and related phenomena (EBR). Includes contributions from Leverage's history of science research, introspective research, and bottlenecks studies. Published on April 1st for non-coincidental reasons.

Hauksbee and the Isolation of Electric Light

This study traces the study of electric light through the eighteenth century, where advances in glass manufacturing allowed for the creation of more sophisticated air pumps. We show how Francis Hauksbee, himself an instrument-maker supported by the Royal Society, investigated frictionally generated light using an improved air pump of his own design and thereby experimentally isolated electric light.

Ørsted and Electromagnetism

An investigation of the discovery of electromagnetism in 1820. We demonstrate that electromagnetism was straightforwardly discoverable by 1802 and investigate why the discovery was overlooked. We also discuss the central role of philosophy in Ørsted’s discovery, especially the metaphysical ideas of Kant and Schelling.

Program Description: Bottlenecks in Science and Technology

Progress Report: Bottleneck Events

After three years of Bottlenecks workshops, we took stock and thought about what we had learned. This Progress Report includes lessons for event organizers, especially those who want to craft events to help people think. One key takeaway: great locations can be really valuable.

Research Highlights: Discovery of the Leyden Jar

A summary of major conclusions from Leverage's case study on the discovery of the first capacitor, the Leyden jar, in 1745.

Research Highlights: Gilbert's Electricks

A summary of major conclusions from Leverage's case study on William Gilbert's isolation of static electric attraction in the year 1600.

Research Highlights: Hauksbee's Electric Light

A summary of the major takeaways from Leverage's case study on Francis Hauksbee's isolation of electric light in 1706.

Research highlights: Ørsted and the Discovery of Electromagnetism

A summary of major conclusions from Leverage's case study on Ørsted's discovery of electromagnetism in 1820.

Research Highlights: The Development and Spread of Franklinian Theory

A summary of the major takeaways from Leverage's case study on Benjamin's Franklin's theory of electricity, put forth in an essay in 1751.

Research Highlights: Volta’s Invention of the Electrophorus

A summary of the major findings from Leverage's case study on Volta's invention of the electrophorus in 1775.

Studying Early Stage Science: Research Program Introduction

Do successful sciences function different in their earliest stages than they do after reaching maturity? We propose that they do, and hypothesize that there is a pattern characteristic of "early stage science." This hypothesis can be testing by performing case studies in the history of successful sciences.

The Development and Spread of Franklinian Theory

Franklin’s fluid theory of electricity is widely seen as a pivotal development making him perhaps the most respected electrician in Europe. This rise is often attributed to the novelty and explanatory scope of his ideas. This case study argues instead for the centrality of three features: the relative simplicity and immediate applications of the theory, and Franklin's background and work with lightning for Enlightenment audiences.

The Leyden Jar

The Leyden jar is widely recognized as among the most important discoveries in the history of electricity. While accounts often present the discovery as a mix of luck and crisis, our case study suggests a more complex picture. Included with the research are three unpublished letters by Kleist detailing his early studies, which are shared for others to study.

Volta's Electrophorus

An investigation of the distribution and impact of Volta's electrophorus. Our case study analyses why Volta’s electrophorus advanced consensus in the field despite similar phenomena having previously been demonstrated by two prominent scientists of the time. Key insights from this research are summarised in a supplementary research highlights document.

What the History of Electricity Can Teach Us About Science

As the scientific enterprise struggles, some people look to metascience as the way forward. Science about science needs data, and that data is contained in the history of science. Lessons from successful science, such as the study of electricity, can help us understand science better and do better science today.

William Gilbert and the Discovery of Electricks

An analysis of William Gilbert’s discovery of static electric attraction and identification of the category of electricks. Our case study aims to understand how knowledge of static electric attraction developed prior to Gilbert and the causes and factors that enabled him to make his discovery.