Chemistry the Time Traveler

Chemistry Time Traveler Transported into 100 B.C. Rome with Latin fluency, and comprehension of and in possession of 21st century knowledge; the task of dazzling the Roman Senate with the articulation of triumphs and successes of scion generations was straightforward. Yet now under the duress of an approaching deadline "to produce something which will convince" (Case Guidelines) the Senate of the technological and intellectual prowess of future humanity; the task seems insurmountable.

Collective Intelligence Reflecting on two millenniums of human evolution in the span of one short week; the realization that society has prospered and advanced due to successive generations: learning, using, and developing the ideas and genius of those that had come prior, bears a heavy responsibility on this time traveler.

Knowledge and innovation then are not solely about the single inspiration of a great mind, but rather "in a new idea, borrowed from economics, known as collective intelligence: the notion that what determines the inventiveness and rate of cultural change of a population is the amount of interaction between individuals" (Ridley, M. May 22, 2010. PP. 1).

Deliverable and Consequences Pondering the consequences of failure for not delivering the Senate an identifiable and pragmatic expression of humanity's future endeavors; the verdict is not about one death in 100 BC, but the inability of an individual to deliver the promise of future generations. With this charge, and time running short; the development and building of a useful display of future genius is critical. Looking at the Senate provided apprentice assigned to provide any assistance to the one week project, there is a shared feeling of nervousness and confusion.

Where to begin? The entire idea of collective intelligence rests on the connectivity of individuals together; is there a one week buildable product that would provide Romans with increasing interconnectivity? Fortunately, a quick recollection from a BBC article provides some insight to the dilemma. In a Great Britain survey, 59% respondents indicated that the bicycle was the most important invention since 1800.

The radio which undoubtedly also played a dramatic role in history scored just shy of five percent of the vote, while the telephone scored even lower (BBC.co.U.K.N.D.P. 1). Contemplating these options, the importance of each resonates with their impact on society. An Idea? The initial reaction is to construct some type of communication device: radio or telephone which could broadcast information or connect individuals at the speed of sound.

Yet, in looking at the available materials of the time, the realization of building a radio or telephone seems improbable. Either device would require a power source, battery or direct electricity, neither which would be readily available in one week. With that reality ahead, the bicycle seems the best option; an instrument which can connect Roman citizens, provide simple and safe transportation, and develop efficiency and productivity.