What technology will survive the coming collapse of civilization?

russotto · 12-29-2004, 03:13 PM

You couldn't predict WWII in 1920 because one major factor hadn't really appeared on the scene yet -- Adolf Hitler.

I think the Civil War and the _attempt_ at an American Revolution could have been predicted. The presence of troops to crush such a revolt is pretty good evidence that it WAS predicted. The idea that it would succeed is another matter.

wolf: I don't think fulminate of mercury (and thus percussion caps and primers) are out of reach for a backyard chemist. Even smokeles powder isn't (nitric and sulfuric acids were known to the ancients, I believe -- certainly in medieval times. And the sulfuric isn't strictly necessary), though of course black powder is easier and safer to make.

Troubleshooter · 12-29-2004, 03:46 PM

The Improvised Munitions Manual and the books by people like Kurt Saxon all show how easy it can be to manufacture a lot of the basic necessities.

lookout123 · 12-29-2004, 06:36 PM

ah, John Titor pops up inthe cellar again. i think the fact that the Titor phenomenon is still talked about is pretty cool, whether or not it is true.

12-29-2004, 03:46 PM	#2
Troubleshooter The urban Jane Goodall Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Florida Posts: 3,012	The Improvised Munitions Manual and the books by people like Kurt Saxon all show how easy it can be to manufacture a lot of the basic necessities. __________________ I have gained this from philosophy: that I do without being commanded what others do only from fear of the law. - Aristotle

12-29-2004, 06:36 PM	#3
lookout123 changed his status to single Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Right behind you. No, the other side. Posts: 10,308	ah, John Titor pops up inthe cellar again. i think the fact that the Titor phenomenon is still talked about is pretty cool, whether or not it is true. __________________ Getting knocked down is no sin, it's not getting back up that's the sin

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12-29-2004, 03:13 PM	#1
russotto Professor Join Date: Jan 2001 Posts: 1,788	You couldn't predict WWII in 1920 because one major factor hadn't really appeared on the scene yet -- Adolf Hitler. I think the Civil War and the _attempt_ at an American Revolution could have been predicted. The presence of troops to crush such a revolt is pretty good evidence that it WAS predicted. The idea that it would succeed is another matter. wolf: I don't think fulminate of mercury (and thus percussion caps and primers) are out of reach for a backyard chemist. Even smokeles powder isn't (nitric and sulfuric acids were known to the ancients, I believe -- certainly in medieval times. And the sulfuric isn't strictly necessary), though of course black powder is easier and safer to make.

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