It's a kind of magic: how evolution has warped the world of science

In 1902, a commissioner for the US patent office (and a somewhat naïve man) named Charles Duell announced: “everything that can be invented, has been invented.” Fast forward over 100 years into the future, to the present day, where the 1900’s can now be celebrated as being one of the most important centuries in engineering history. From aeroplanes to slinkys, to hoovers and teabags, innovation blossomed and industry boomed. At first, Duell’s comment is seen to be obviously wrong, with countless scientific breakthroughs being discovered since (such as those stated prior). However, when under scrutiny, it is soon revealed that Duell's’ remark can be deemed correct; in 1902, everything had already been invented. This article will explore the way in which all engineering, and science breakthroughs are all unlocked by the same magic iterative process: evolution Apes, birds, fossils, seeds: these are all what predictably spring into your head when mentioning the word evolution, but what actually is it? The Collin’s dictionary defines it as “a process of gradual development in a particular situation or thing over a period of time”. This therefore shows how evolution is not limited just to organic systems and biological applications, but instead has much wider implementation within all branches of science. It is through this manifestation that allows us to reflect evolutionary methods (such as that of natural selection) onto engineering projects and the mechanical art of ‘inventing’. For example, take the combustion engine: one of the most frequently utilised machines in the world, with 1.4 billion existing just within vehicles today. The first commercially successful internal combustion engine was created by Etienne Lenoir, in the 19th century. Fundamentally, his engine was revolutionary two-stroke, which meant on the first stroke (stroke meaning the full travel of the piston along the cylinder) the mixture was ignited, causing gas expansion and consequently piston movement, and on the second, the exhaust product was extruded. Fast forward to today where the development of engines has flourished, with the future of the manufacturing progressing into hydrogen fuel cells and use of ammonia power; these processes are favourably low emission options and offer a sustainable future for the transport industry. Most notably, there is a 200-year gap between Lenoir's engine and the modern fuel cell. In Lenoir’s time, the sole purpose for his engine was movement, yet for modern day manufacturers the most important purpose is sustainability, a green future. This portrays how the circumstances, and indeed external environment, have altered the intent of an invention. Thus, this example of mechanical invention can be mirrored onto the archetypal biological version of natural selection. Here, the engine represents an organic species, the difference in time mimics a change in the environment, and ultimately the engine's purpose can be represented as the phenotype. The engineers themselves (such as Lenoir) use an iterative process of trial and failure, utilising successful models and disregarding ineffectual models (with success being defined as efficacy of engine purpose). Whilst at surface-level the hydrogen fuel cell can be seen as new innovation, it is actually a product of countless prior versions of itself; all trialled and tested until one was best suited – it had been invented when the combustion engine was, but it had simply evolved into a more modern-fitting alternative. Evolution is inherently integrated within the process of discovery within science, with its principles of trial and error acting as a mechanical mirror of natural selection. In 1902, a commissioner for the US patent office (and a somewhat clever man) named Charles Duell announced: “everything that can be invented, has been invented.”: and he was right. All of today’s new, advanced and supposedly original inventions are just evolved versions of pre-existing machines. The magic of evolution pilots the future of the world of science and silently dictates today’s new technologies. So, next time you dream of time machines, who knows, maybe your new wristwatch is the beginning?