A Man of Science and Engineering in Troubled Times Wandering in the Late Qing Dynasty

Chapter 356 Photos
Li Yu originally thought that the sales of the Star Wars spinoffs would not be as good as the main story and the prequels, but due to the continued popularity of the prequels and the main stories, the sales of the spinoffs were still unexpectedly good.

Li Yu and Lu Bicheng received many letters from readers, and the feedback was quite satisfactory.

Among these letters, the one Li Yu wanted to return first had to be the one from the Great God Planck.

"Little friend Li Yu, I've finished reading the Star Wars story you just published, and I'm quite satisfied. I didn't lose the equipment I sent you! In addition, if you have time, you can come to Europe. Someone is interested in your two books. There have been some new achievements in mathematics works, which seem to be about game theory. And Sweden has already had preliminary evaluation results. I think the most important Nobel Prize in Physics this year is very likely to be awarded to you. Now that you have arrived in the United States, you are still in the United States. On the east coast, you can come to Europe to stay for a while, and it won’t be too late to return to the capital after the awards are presented."

Li Yu was quite touched after reading it. Planck was an idol in his previous life, but now he cares so much about his situation.

Especially as a physicist, it is so rare to pay attention to Li Yu's mathematical achievements.

Li Yu immediately wrote back to him: "It's good that you like my work, sir. I'll go to Europe after I've dealt with the affairs of the United States."

Not only Planck, but also Lord Kelvin, Boltzmann, and Huggins, President of the Royal Society, all sent personal letters to Li Yu.

Most of them congratulated Li Yu on his recent astronomical achievements.

It seems that Planck is really a bit different.

-

Mars' argument also led to further discussions in the Holy See.

Vatican.

When Cardinal Mariano entered the hall, Pope Pius X was flipping through an article. When he saw Mariano coming in, he greeted him immediately:
"The bishop saw that a Christian in Milan sent me such an article. The main content is to explain why the Bible has repeatedly contradicted scientific conclusions. One of the interesting points is this: the Bible only tells people on the earth, What God did on the earth, did not tell the people on Earth what God did in the universe. So if there is life on other planets, such as the Mars Canal, you can still believe in the existence of God..."

Mariano interrupted Pius X: "Master Pope, you can read the recent "Science", Li Yu published a new paper, proving that there is no life on Mars! By the way, not only Mars, Venus, There's no life on Jupiter or anything!"

"Neither?!" Pius X asked, "Why is he so sure?"

Mariano spread his hands: "I can't understand the mathematical theory in it, but judging from the feedback from scientists from various countries, the result should be correct."

Pius X reluctantly closed the article in his hand: "Why is he moving so fast?"

"Maybe our bishop Jason in the United States spurred him on," Mariano said.

Pius X asked: "Could it have been an inspiration from the gods?"

"I don't know about that, but it doesn't feel like it," Mariano said. "Also, Bishop Jason suggested that we'd better take some practical actions."

Pius X asked: "What practical action? Can't Bruno be rehabilitated immediately?"

Mariano said: "That's not it. What Bishop Jason means is that we should win over these great scientists as much as possible."

Pius X asked: "Is there any way? Is it possible? You know, few of these great scientists still believe in the Lord."

Mariano said: "At least the authority of the Holy See is still there. After thinking about it, I think we can use the authority of the Holy See to do something that is very helpful to us."

Pius X asked: "You mean, not only can you win over the world's great scientists, but it can also benefit us?"

Mariano nodded confidently: "Yes!"

Pius X asked anxiously: "Bishop, don't be a fool, tell me quickly!"

Mariano said word for word: "We can create an Academy of Sciences!"

As soon as this sentence was said, Pius X was immediately stunned: "Academy of Sciences? You are right?!"

Mariano nodded: "That's right, the Academy of Sciences, not the Academy of Theology! The name can be called the Pontifical Academy of Sciences of the Holy See."

Pius X said: "There is always a feeling of incongruity."

Mariano said: "My lord Pope, it's okay to be inconsistent! But our goal is to let science and religion develop together, so we must use such a name, and gradually we will feel harmonious in the future."

Pius X asked: "Are you sure? Those famous scientists in the world will really go to the Holy See to do experiments or something?"

Mariano said: "Just let them join, even if it's just a name, they can be where they usually want to be; and we will not target their beliefs."

It was the first time that Pius X had heard such an explosive idea, but after thinking about it carefully, what Mariano said was not unreasonable.

Now how to achieve reconciliation and common development with science is the top priority.

So Pius X let go of his preconceived ideas after thinking again and again, nodded and said, "I agree. But the problem is how to invite them in."

Mariano said: "I have already received a reply from Mr. Planck, a professor at the University of Berlin and an academician of the Prussian Academy of Sciences through some channels. He appreciates our move very much and is willing to join."

Pius X said: "Professor plus academician is indeed a bit of a gimmick."

Mariano continued: "Besides, as we all know, Academician Planck has a very good relationship with Li Yu. With him coming forward, we are likely to bring in the hottest new scientific stars in today's academia."

"It sounds more feasible to me!" Pius X cheered up a little, "The status of academician Planck is also suitable for the post of the future president of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences of the Holy See. You take the lead, and you must bring Li Yu in! Anyway! He already has several academician titles of the Academy of Sciences, and this one is not much!"

"I'm sure there will be no trouble," Mariano said.

Pius X was also very confident: "We have been preaching in the Ming Dynasty and the current Qing Dynasty for so many years, but we have not seen any progress. If Li Yu can be admitted to our Academy of Sciences, it must be exciting news!"

The idea of ​​the pope is still a bit idealistic.

However, in history, the Pontifical Academy of Sciences of the Holy See has indeed absorbed many big names in the scientific world, such as the famous Planck, Bohr, Rutherford, Schrödinger and so on.

They are all first-class figures in modern physics.

Of course, they are basically just holding a false title in the Pontifical Academy of Sciences of the Holy See, and they will not do specific work in Rome.

It is said that this Academy of Sciences does not have any scientific research capabilities, it is nothing more than these scientists feel that they can promote the harmonious relationship between the two sides.

Moreover, in history, the Pontifical Academy of Sciences of the Holy See was only established in 1936. At that time, Europe had already experienced the great trauma of World War I, and it seemed to be shrouded in the haze of a new war. People were in panic, and the scientific community wanted to keep the world peaceful. state.

After all, the Holy See still has some influence in the secular world, especially in Europe.

-

After "National Geographic" magazine published Qingzan's photo, it really caused a huge sensation.

The unique mysterious atmosphere of the plateau and the Potala Palace nearly 4000 meters above are so fascinating and unforgettable.

This feeling is very similar to the spectacular photos of the Pillars of Creation sent back by space telescopes in later generations or the first black hole photo taken, and the shocking effect on people is too great.

For the people at that time, it was like unraveling a major natural mystery.

Curiosity is inscribed in the genes of human beings.

The photos of Qingzan revitalized National Geographic, and Li Yu did not forget to pack and send more than a dozen copies to Tang Shaoyi from Beiyang.

At this time, the British army had signed an unequal treaty with the local government in violation of regulations.

However, the Qing court is now very sensitive to this kind of treaty and dare not accept it at all, so it decided to send someone to continue the negotiation.

One of the representatives is Tang Shaoyi who knows English and Westernization.

When Tang Shaoyi went to Xiyuan to meet Cixi, she specially brought this magazine with her.

Cixi herself has not been to many places. When she saw the photos of the far west for the first time, she was very excited.

Several people looked at these precious photos with gusto.

Tang Shaoyi said at the right time: "The queen mother, the prince, and this Li Yu's handwritten "The Last Piece of Pure Land", please read it carefully."

Cixi took it over and praised it after reading it: "The writing is not bad, this Li Yu still has a fistful heart, and deserves to be commended."

Tang Shaoyi said: "Moreover, such a beautiful pure land must not be contaminated by the English people again."

Cixi said: "That's very good. The task of this negotiation is arduous. I hope Tang Daotai handles it properly. After success, it goes without saying that he will be promoted."

Empress Dowager Cixi doesn't dare to say harsh words to foreigners now, she uses words very carefully.

But Tang Shaoyi didn't care too much, and saluted: "I will not disgrace my mission!"

-

Bell, as president of the National Geographic Society, must have been happiest about the magazine's launch.

He found Li Yu excitedly, and said to him, "You are the savior of magazines. Fortunately, I didn't sell National Geographic. Otherwise, if you bought it, it would definitely develop secretly again."

Li Yu laughed and said, "I've said it all, I don't know anything about geography, so how can I have this ability."

Bell said, "It doesn't matter if you don't know geography, but do you know photography?"

Li Yu said, "I don't really understand it, but I like it very much."

Bell laughed and said, "That's enough! Now that the magazine has money, it wants to take some magnificent photos to expand its influence. This time I chose Niagara Falls on the border between the United States and Canada. I came here to invite you to go with me."

Li Yu asked in surprise, "Invite me?"

Bell said: "The opportunity is rare. We have rented the boat in advance and can enjoy it up close."

Li Yu never saw it with his own eyes anyway in his previous life. In this era of lack of entertainment, it is indeed a very attractive thing, so Li Yu struggled for three seconds, then surrendered: "I will join!"

Bell patted him on the shoulder: "You are so young and rich, so you should show some adventurous spirit, otherwise how will you hang out in my aircraft club and airship club in the future?"

Then Bell whispered: "Also, there is one more quota, you can bring a girl!"

After Bell finished speaking, he pushed the door out with a smile, "Meet us at the train station tomorrow!"

After Li Yu sent him away, he turned around and saw Lu Bicheng and Jinwei Zhaoxue.

Li Yu coughed: "Well, this photography project is also funded by the publishing house, so Bicheng girl must be indispensable."

Not a bad reason.

Lu Bicheng's eyes were full of joy, and Jinwei Zhaoxue bit her lip, and then thought that she could continue to secretly study Li Yu's radio patent here, so she accepted.

The next day, when Li Yu and Lu Bicheng arrived at the train station, Bell greeted them with a smile: "My God, the charm of the oriental beauty is simply more charming than any natural scenery."

Lu Bicheng smiled slightly: "Mr. Bell, you are joking."

Mrs. Bell came up and said, "Yes, I think you're joking too."

Bell turned his back, and said with a chuckle: "Of course I'm joking, my purpose is actually to praise Mr. Li Yu's good vision!"

Mrs. Bell snorted: "I hope so."

While talking, another person ran over with a big package: "I'm sorry, Mr. Bell, Mrs. Bell, I'm late."

Bell said: "It's not too late! Let me introduce you, this is the famous oriental science giant Li Yu! This is George Eastman, who will be the photographer of this event."

Li Yu shook hands with him, and immediately saw the package he was carrying. He felt like he had seen the logo on it before, and a flash came to his mind: "Could it be that you are the founder of Kodak?"

Eastman said: "Mr. Academician actually knows about my company?"

Many people may have forgotten that this was once a super company in the photography industry, and many young people have never even seen film.

But before the advent of digital photography, Kodak was indeed the super-dominant of the photography world.

The full name of Kodak is "Eastman Kodak Company".

Europe and the United States like to name companies with their own names very much.It was under this influence that Li Yu went to the countryside and named his company LY.

Li Yu said: "Of course I know, and I really want to buy your products."

Eastman said happily: "Great! I'm trying to take advantage of the popularity of "National Geographic" and this opportunity to promote the pocket camera just launched."

"Fool style?" Li Yu blurted out and quickly changed his words, "I mean, card style!"

"May I introduce to you," Eastman took out a small box from his bag, about the size of a thicker iPad mini box, "This is our company's latest product, and the price is only $5. Everyone can take pictures freely, no longer need to carry a bulky camera. Only the film needs to be purchased separately.”

The price of $5 is not high, but it is easy to think that Kodak's profit point must be in the consumables-film.

This trick has been used for more than 100 years, and it is really a fresh trick that is eaten all over the world.

Of course, Kodak's technology in film is indeed high.

Li Yu took over this "pocket camera". It was not heavy, but it was not light, and it was close to a SLR camera with a telephoto lens.

But certainly not as comfortable as taking pictures with a mobile phone.

Li Yu said, "Are you only allowed to take black and white photos?"

Eastman was taken aback, and asked, "What? Can you still take color photos?"

Li Yu smiled and said, "It won't take long."

(End of this chapter)