Writer 1879: Solitary Journey in France

Chapter 246 A Tribute to "Modern Life"! (Bonus Chapter 2)

After this little incident, the distance between the three of them suddenly shortened a lot.

The topic quickly shifted back to Lionel's needs.

Lionel detailed his dissatisfaction with the existing typewriters and bicycles, and his urgent desire to improve their efficiency.

Lionel candidly stated, "I cannot draw precise engineering drawings, nor can I calculate stress or coefficient of friction."

I have some concepts in my mind, some images of what they should look like.

Perhaps... perhaps we can call it another form of 'conjecture'?

Henri Poincaré's interest was piqued: "Improving mechanical efficiency? Optimizing tools? That's fascinating!"

This is a wonderful exercise in applied mathematics and physics, Pierre, what do you think?

Pierre Curie nodded, equally interested in the practical applications: "It sounds very challenging."

I'd also like to know, Lionel, what kind of tools do you envision?

Lionel stood up excitedly: "In that case, if it's convenient for you two, why don't you come to my place now?"

Let's take a look at those two 'primitive tools' that we both love and hate.
I can also try to draw the 'sketch' in my head for you!

Poincaré and Curie exchanged a glance, both seeing a deep curiosity in each other's eyes, and readily agreed.

Upon arriving at 117 Boulevard Saint-Germain, Lionel led them directly to see the Remington No. 2 typewriter and the Rover Safety bicycle parked on the porch.

Henri Poincaré and Pierre Curie were observing these two emerging things so closely for the first time.

Pierre Curie was more hands-on; he tried typing a few times on the keyboard and then squatted down to inspect the bicycle's chain and transmission.

Henri Poincaré, on the other hand, focused more on observing its working principles and structural logic, occasionally raising one or two incisive questions.

Then, Lionel led them to the large desk in the study, spread out a stack of white paper, and picked up a drawing pencil.

As Lionel spoke, he began to sketch: "First, there's the typewriter..."

He drew a basic structure similar to a Remington typewriter, but with some differences in the details: "I think the keys should feel lighter and have a quicker rebound..."

Perhaps a better spring mechanism is needed here? Most importantly, the typing area should be immediately visible, rather than requiring a pull-out check after blind typing…

He tried to draw a linked typewriter, as well as a later concept of a typewriter with a paper roll standing upright in front of the typist.

Although Lionel's painting skills were rudimentary, the general form could still be discerned.

Then he drew a few more keys: "And characters... must be able to easily type all the French accent marks!"

Perhaps we could design a separate, dedicated group of touch keys for adding accent marks?

Henri Poincaré and Pierre Curie took the draft and began to study it carefully.

After a while, Lionel turned to another page and began to draw a bicycle: "The biggest problem with this bicycle is that it's too bumpy and not flexible enough."

I think the wheels... the wheels should be hollow, filled with air... so that it won't be too bumpy!

He drew a cross-sectional view of a tire: "It's like a soft air cushion that absorbs vibrations."

This might require a strong, well-sealed rubber tube, but a hole needs to be left for inflation.

Henri Poincaré and Pierre Curie leaned over to look closely, their brows sometimes furrowing and sometimes relaxing.

Pierre Curie pondered, “Inflatable rubber tubing? That’s a bold idea! But sealing and strength are issues.” Lionel continued drawing, “Then there’s the transmission; the chain could be lighter and stronger, but that’s not the most crucial part.”

Here, the wheel's axle needs a very smooth bearing made up of many small steel balls to minimize friction...

I know, it seems that these kinds of bearings already exist..."

He clumsily drew a bunch of small circles and placed them inside a larger circle.

Henri Poincaré was somewhat surprised: "It seems you pay close attention to the development of engineering machinery. This kind of bearing has indeed existed for the past ten years..."

Lionel didn't understand his praise and continued drawing his own diagram: "And the brakes... this one is too unreliable right now."

Perhaps a mechanism could be designed that, by pulling a cable through a handle, causes a rubber block to press tightly and evenly against the wheel hub or rim…

Lionel's drawing skills were poor, riddled with errors in many details, and completely failed to meet engineering standards.

However, the "concepts" he proposed—visual typing, pneumatic tires, ball bearings, reliable caliper brakes—

But like bolts of lightning, they cleaved through the minds of Henri Poincaré and Pierre Curie!

These ideas are not just castles in the air; the underlying principles of engineering and mechanics are quite simple and clear.

Most importantly, Lionel's proposal highlights the relentless pursuit of "efficiency" and "comfort," pointing towards a more human-centered design direction.

Henri Poincaré's eyes gleamed with excitement as he picked up a sketch and pointed to the diagram of an inflatable tire: "Brilliant idea, Mr. Sorel!"

Utilizing the compressibility and elasticity of air to cushion vibrations! And this… 'ball bearings,' transforming sliding friction into rolling friction—a brilliant simplification!

Pierre Curie also picked up another concept drawing of a typewriter: "Instantly visible typing area...this requires ingenious linkage design."

There's also a dedicated accent key group, which is definitely key to improving the efficiency of using French! Even though you don't understand engineering drawings, your imagination—

Henry is right, it's practically the intuition of a genius engineer! Where do you get these inspirations?

Lionel can only attribute his success once again to the universal formula: "observation, thinking, and a little bit of unrealistic fantasy."

I just have a vague feeling that this is how they 'should' work. The specific implementation will require the wisdom of both of you.

Henri Poincaré paced a few steps in the living room: “This is not just about improving two tools, Mr. Sorel!”

This is more challenging and more interesting than solving a complex differential equation! Pierre, what do you think?

A fire ignited in Pierre Curie's eyes as well: "Yes, Henri. It requires calculations, experiments, and finding suitable materials."

But it's well worth trying. Mr. Sorel, I would be happy to participate if you allow.

Henry and I can team up and try to turn your 'hypotheses' into reality.

Lionel was overjoyed: "Great! This is exactly what I've been hoping for!"
Funding, materials, venue—if needed, I'll take care of it!

Lionel seemed to see that smoother typewriters and more comfortable bicycles were no longer just sketches in his mind, but were about to become a tangible reality.

This creative passion temporarily overwhelmed him, causing him to forget about literary creation and immerse himself in the immense joy of transforming the material world.

Lionel took a bottle of Bordeaux from the wine cabinet and poured a glass for Pierre Curie and Henri Poincaré.

He raised his glass and said to the two men, "Once these two 'projects' are completed, they will surely become a worldwide sensation!"
Typewriters, bicycles—they will become an indispensable part of 'modern life'. To 'modern life'!

Pierre Curie and Henri Poincaré also raised their glasses high: "To 'Modern Life'!"

(Fifth update complete, all four missed updates are now made up. Please vote with monthly tickets!)
(End of this chapter)