On the Importance of Writing, Art, Creativity & Polymathy in Engineering
A Special Edition for Arkinfo Notes’ First Birthday!
Today, Arkinfo Notes turned 1! I'm filled with profound gratitude for this cherished portal that we developed together, sharing insights and fostering a community of inquisitive minds.
When I started this newsletter last year, it was out of desire to connect, share, and grow with you. Well, mission accomplished! This newsletter has now become the heartbeat of Arkinfo. Your unwavering support and engagement have propelled and enriched this platform with ideas that define us.
After having published 60 articles in the past 12 months, this milestone has given me an opportunity to look back at our journey together and to celebrate the essence of what makes engineering so captivating. It is a blend of precision and creativity, playing a foundational role in shaping the world, and, most importantly, uniting us across geographies and cultures.
So in this special edition of Arkinfo Notes, I would like to share with you five stories of remarkable figures from history. These innovators, though not always in the limelight, played a crucial role in defining the field of engineering. Through their stories, I would like to highlight the importance of 5 key, albeit under-looked principles that play a crucial role in Engineering, i.e., Writing/Documentation, Interdisciplinary Approach, Creativity/Polymathy, Art, and Sharing of Knowledge.
These principles resonate deeply with our own path at Arkinfo, where every challenge is an invitation to innovate, every setback a lesson in resilience, and every achievement a testament to the power of shared vision.
I would like to once again, thank you for being an integral part of this journey. Here's to many more years of exploration, innovation, and shared successes.
Al Jazari and the Importance of Writing
Al Jazari was an engineer and inventor of the Islamic Golden Age, hailing from the Diyarbakır region in present-day Turkey. Born in 1136, he served as the chief engineer at the Artuqid palace, where he devised many mechanical devices. He is revered for his contributions to the documentation of engineering practices. His most notable work, "The Book of Knowledge of Ingenious Mechanical Devices," was completed in 1206 and remains an important manuscript in the history of engineering. Next week, I shall be dedicating our monday issue to Al Jazari and his works, so if you haven’t already, subscribe to get notified.
Al Jazari's work was groundbreaking not only for its innovative nature but also for its meticulous documentation. His book details the construction and mechanisms of over fifty devices, ranging from clocks to water-raising machines, complete with illustrations and diagrams. This comprehensive approach ensured that his knowledge could be preserved and disseminated, laying foundational principles for modern engineering documentation.
Al Jazari’s approach highlights the critical role of clear, detailed writing and documentation in engineering. His work shows the fact that innovation doesn't exist in a vacuum and that the progress of engineering disciplines largely depends on the ability to share and build upon past knowledge effectively. Documentation ensures that innovative ideas are accessible, understandable, and improvable by future generations.
With Arkinfo Notes, I have tried to embody this spirit of meticulous documentation and knowledge sharing. In the fast-evolving field of software engineering, keeping an accurate and accessible record of innovations, challenges, and solutions is vital.
I've aimed to not only share the technical aspects of engineering projects but also the thought processes, challenges, and creative solutions that emerged along the way. This practice has been instrumental in creating a shared knowledge base that supports collaboration, encourages innovation, and fosters a culture of continuous learning within and beyond Arkinfo.
Ibn al-Haytham and the Importance of an Interdisciplinary Approach
Ibn al-Haytham, also known by the Latinized name Alhazen, was a pioneering polymath who lived from circa 965 to 1040. Hailing from Basra in present-day Iraq, he made significant contributions across various fields including mathematics, astronomy, and optics. His most renowned work, "Kitab al-Manazir" (Book of Optics), profoundly influenced the understanding of vision, light, and optical phenomena for centuries.
Ibn al-Haytham's interdisciplinary approach to science and his methodological contributions to experimentation are among his most lasting legacies. By integrating mathematical rigour with physical experimentation, he laid the groundwork for the modern scientific method. His work in optics, including the principles of reflection and refraction, not only advanced the field of physics but also had practical implications in engineering, influencing the development of lenses, mirrors, and even architectural designs to optimise light.
His ability to traverse disciplines and apply scientific principles to solve practical problems illustrates the value of a multidisciplinary approach in driving technological progress.
Inspired by Ibn al-Haytham's example, Arkinfo Notes has been a platform for exploring the intersectionality of engineering with other domains such as design, art, and even philosophy. Recognising that innovation often springs from the confluence of diverse perspectives, I have always made it a priority to discuss and analyse how principles from various fields can inform and enhance engineering projects.
By highlighting projects and ideas that embody this multidisciplinary integration, Arkinfo Notes has helped me (and hopefully my readers as well) achieve a broader understanding and appreciation of the interconnected nature of knowledge.
Al-Khazini and the Importance of Creativity & Polymathy
Al-Khazini, who flourished in the 12th century, was a polymath of the Islamic Golden Age, credited with significant contributions in the fields of physics, astronomy, and engineering. Though his exact origins are debated, he is believed to have been of either Uighur or Persian descent, working in the region that covers contemporary Iran and Turkmenistan. His most renowned work, "The Book of the Balance of Wisdom," is a comprehensive treatise on the science of weights and the principles of balance.
Creativity, as illustrated by Al-Khazini, is indispensable in engineering, enabling the leap from theoretical science to practical application. His work underscores the role of innovative thinking in solving complex problems and developing new technologies.
In modern engineering challenges, where solutions are not always apparent within the confines of existing knowledge, Al-Khazini's approach reminds us of the value of creative exploration beyond traditional boundaries. Inspired by Al-Khazini's legacy, at Arkinfo Notes, we have embraced creativity as a core principle in discussing engineering solutions.
In our projects at Arkinfo, we often encounter challenges that cannot be addressed through conventional methods alone. Drawing on Al-Khazini’s example, we've sought to cultivate an environment where creative thinking is encouraged, allowing us to devise innovative solutions that transcend standard approaches.
Al-Khazini's inventive approach to the science of mechanics, particularly his work on hydrostatic balances, demonstrated an exceptional blend of creativity and analytical thinking. His development of the concept of specific gravity and its application in determining the composition of alloys had profound implications for materials science, a field crucial to engineering. By applying theoretical insights to practical instruments, Al-Khazini exemplified how creative thinking can lead to technological advancements that are both innovative and applicable in the real world.
Through Arkinfo Notes, I share these experiences, highlighting how creativity is harnessed to push the boundaries of what is technically possible. This not only reflects our commitment to innovation but also serves to inspire my readers to think creatively in their endeavours, fostering a community where the imaginative application of engineering principles leads to groundbreaking advancements.
Ahmad Lahori and the Importance of Art
Ustad Ahmad Lahori was a prominent architect in the 17th century, widely regarded as the principal designer of the Taj Mahal, one of the most iconic symbols of Indian architecture and a masterpiece of Mughal engineering.
Though details about his life are sparse, historical records suggest he was of Persian descent and served as the chief architect under the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. His work on the Taj Mahal, alongside other architectural feats, are a remarkable fusion of engineering precision and artistic beauty.
Ahmad Lahori's architectural genius lies not just in the aesthetic grandeur of his creations but also in the innovative engineering techniques he employed. The Taj Mahal, for example, is celebrated not only for its unparalleled beauty but also for its structural ingenuity, including the complex interplay of light and shadow, the use of symmetry, and the incorporation of elements designed to withstand the test of time. Lahori’s work exemplifies how art and engineering can come together to create structures that are both functional and emotionally resonant.
This approach not only enhances the usability and appeal of engineered products but also inspires solutions that are more holistic and human-centred.
At Arkinfo Notes I have actively explored the intersection of art and engineering in our discussions. In our pursuit of innovation, it is important that we recognise that engineering solutions are not merely about solving problems but also about touching lives and invoking wonder.
Sameera Moussa and the Importance of Sharing Knowledge
Sameera Moussa, born in Egypt in 1917, was a groundbreaking nuclear physicist who dedicated her career to making medical nuclear technology accessible to everyone. Moussa held a doctorate in atomic radiation and was the first woman to hold a university post as a lecturer in her field in Egypt. She was a visionary who believed in the potential of nuclear technology to revolutionise medicine and sought to demystify its benefits for the greater good. Her efforts led her to organise the "Atoms for Peace" conference and advocate for making nuclear medicine affordable to all, regardless of geographical or economic barriers.
Dr. Moussa's work in nuclear physics and her advocacy for accessible healthcare technology show the impact that engineers and scientists can have on society. Her research on breaking down atoms of cheap materials to produce the same effect as Uranium was groundbreaking. This not only shows the potential for significant advancements in medical treatment but also demonstrates a commitment to ethical science and technology. Moussa’s life was tragically cut short in an accident in 1952, yet her legacy of using engineering to serve humanity continues to inspire.
Sameera Moussa's belief in the democratisation of scientific knowledge is a critical aspect of engineering and technological development. Her vision represents a broader ethos that the true value of scientific discovery lies in its ability to benefit all of humanity, not just a select few. This principle is especially relevant today as we navigate the challenges of making advanced technologies equitable and widely available.
Arkinfo Notes has been committed to demystifying complex engineering and technological concepts for a broader audience at no cost. Through our newsletter, we aim to share insights into our work and industry trends, with a focus on their societal impacts, ensuring that the benefits of technological advancements are widely understood and accessible.
What’s Ahead
Al Jazari, Ibn al-Haytham, Al-Khazini, Ustad Ahmad Lahori, and Sameera Moussa were remarkable individuals from diverse backgrounds and epochs, exemplifying the enduring spirit of curiosity, creativity, and commitment to the betterment of humanity that lies at the heart of engineering.
At Arkinfo, and through Arkinfo Notes, we've endeavoured to embody these principles, fostering a community where ideas flourish, innovation thrives, and knowledge is a bridge, not a barrier.
Your curiosity, engagement, and support have been the wind beneath our wings, propelling us forward, encouraging us to dream bigger, and strive for a future where technology and humanity walk hand in hand.
Looking ahead, I am excited for what the future holds. With each challenge we face, we find new opportunities to innovate, to learn, and to grow. Together, let's continue to explore the uncharted, to question the unquestioned, and to share the wealth of our discoveries. The journey of Arkinfo Notes is not just about chronicling the past but about shaping the future together.
Thank you for being a part of this adventure. Here's to another year of exploration, innovation, and shared success. Let us venture forth with the same spirit of inquiry and openness that has brought us this far, ready to write the next chapter in our collective story.
Happy birthday Arkinfo notes. It was a pleasure reading about these wonderful polymath and their contributions.
Congratulations on one full year! Let's make the next year even better.
I love reading about the polymaths of the Islamic Golden age in particular, but all of these are gold. Moussa's story is a new one for me.