Ken Boddie

7 years ago · 4 min. reading time · ~10 ·

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Great Scot!

Great Scot!

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Next time you utter this "expression of surprise or amazement", give a thought, beyond the exclamation, to how many Great Scottish persons there have been and what they've done to cement society as we know it. 

We all know that the fertile Scots (with some assistance from the Viking Norsefolk) are responsible (through descent) for millions of red haired, fair-skinned and freckled children worldwide, and who we, here in Oz, take great delight in teasingly calling "rangas", some say from a barely credible resemblance to the orange hair of the Orang Utan.  We also associate Scotland with tartan, thistles, whisky, porridge, haggis, bagpipes and black puddin', but how many of us know that many Great Scots are responsible for what we take for granted in our daily lives?

Here's a starting list of just a few of the innovations and inventions, as brought to you courtesy of a 'Jock' or a 'Mac':

  • Raincoat - The Mackintosh is thought to have been invented by Scottish surgeon, James Syme, but this fabric 'sandwich' with tarry rubber in the middle, was refined as a raincoat by fellow Scot, Charles Macintosh. Where better to invent an effective rain shield, pre-plastic, than in the land of 'Scotch Mist'?
  • Gin and Tonic - The quinine in tonic was reportedly discovered as a treatment for malaria by Edinburgh-born George Leghorn. Because of quinine's bitter taste it was commonly taken with gin, after the the sun had gone down below the yard-arm and the mozzies came out to feast, by a generation of semi-sozzled tropic-based expatriates. I am also guilty of having been 'pissed' after partaking in this prophylactic pastime, all purely for medicinal purposes, of course. I used to regularly imbibe a 'g' and 't' more often than not when in London, rather than when in the tropics, which goes to show that quinine is also effective at keeping mozzies away.  After all, there aren't any mozzies in London are there?
  • Colour Photography - The red-green-blue colour method, which is the base for almost all practical color processes, was first proposed by Scottish physicist James Clerk Maxwell.  Hard to believe that, before the 1970s, we used to take photos in monochrome (black and white), using film which had to be processed at a pharmacy or in a 'dark room' for the enthusiast.  Instant digital colour images, however, have still failed to definitively capture the 'pink elephant' or the 'blue monkey', so often seen as a consequence of partaking in too many of the above prophylactic drinks.  
  • Fingerprints - North Ayrshire born physician, Henry Faulds, has been credited with recognising the uniqueness of the pattern of ridges on our fingertips to each individual. Funnily enough, when he offered his services to Scotland Yard, that bastion of British sleuths, he was knocked back. This goes to show that, unless you 'put your best foot forward' and 'put your foot down',  you can't always 'put your finger on' the solution at the right time. 
  • Penicillin - The dawn of the antibiotic age was heralded by the discovery of penicillin by Alexander Fleming, a Scottish biologist, pharmacologist and botanist. Although mouldy bread poultices have reportedly been used to heal wounds as far back as ancient Egypt, Fleming is credited with the 'accidental' discovery and isolation of what was to revolutionise medicine. The story goes that he found what was to be the lifesaving mould growing on some cultures left out untidily while he was away on holiday. So tidiness isn't always next to godliness? I guess they 'broke the mould' after Fleming was cast ...... ?
  • Hypodermic Syringe - The invention of the first hypodermic injecting device that used a true combination of glass syringe and hollow needle has been credited to Alexander Wood who was born in Cupar, Fyfe.  It was first used solely for the administration of morphia and preparations of opium, although Wood reportedly was aware of its potentially for much wider application, but perhaps the most interesting tit-bit comes from his biographer, who writes that Wood "had taken the sting of the bee as his model". However, the original hollow steel needle and glass syringe, back in the day, would have appeared more like a giant serpent's fangs than a bee sting which is more akin to the small disposal syringes used this days. Incidentally, one of my butt 'cheeks' still features a large dimple from the application of one of those early horse syringes when I was a sick baby. I don't often share this gem, as I hate to be the butt of others' sharp humour.
  • Facsimile Machine - Caithness clockmaker and inventor, Alexander Bain, is credited, not just with inventing the electric clock and chemical telegraph (don't ask), but also with that marvellous invention, the facsimile machine, the first real apparatus capable of transmitting the images which we now take for granted thanks to photocopiers, scanners, digital cameras and email. I am actually old enough to remember when the fax was the best thing since sliced bread.  Some of my younger colleagues also believe I had a hand in engineering the pyramids.
  • Log Tables - Believe it or not, these magic books of mystical numbers were once the primary method of calculating to great accuracy, and are not a reference to where a lumberjack has his lunch. They were discovered by John Napier, an Edinburgh born mathematician, physicist and astronomer, whose name was cursed by many a youth back in my school days, as they were a pig to use compared to the modern day electronic calculators or maths apps on our smart phones.  I also remember the archaic slide rule, the abacus and, furthermore, am capable of performing simple multiplication, division and addition using mental arithmetic, a feat of apparent magic these days, when check-out staff are having problems with their register and there is no smart keyboard within coo hey.
  • Eternal Youth - Now hold on, ladies! This is not a reference to some magical potion or cream, which will have you looking like you did when you saw the first sparkle in the eye of your now husband.  I pitifully plead guilty to providing a hook in order to draw you to the end of my list.  This eternal youth is, of course, a reference to the mischievous imp, Peter Pan, who spent his endless childhood in Neverland, and to his creator and famous Scots novelist and playwright, JM Barrie. So let me make amends, fair damsels, by quoting young Pan, who, when talking to Wendy, states:
"one girl is more use than twenty boys.”
JM Barrie, Peter Pan
So that's my starter list of Great Scots, and I haven't even mentioned the likes of all those famous engineers, such as Stevenson, Watt, Telford, nor have I ventured into the arts.

How about you bees? Are there any famous Scots that you can bring to mind? My usual modesty and humility prevent me, of course, from mentioning one famous (or is it infamous?) Scots Aussie bee.

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When not researching the weird or the wonderful, the comical or the cultured, the sinful or the serious, I chase my creative side, the results of which can be seen as selected photographs of my travels on my website at:

http://ken-boddie.squarespace.com

The author of the above, Ken Boddie, besides being a sometime poet and occasional writer, is an enthusiastic photographer, rarely leisure-travelling without his Canon, and loves to interact with other like-minded people with diverse interests.

Ken's three day work week (part time commitment) as a consulting engineer allows him to follow his photography interests, and to plan trips to an ever increasing list of countries and places of scenic beauty and cultural diversity.



Comments

👏👏👏👏👏👏😻😻😻

Ken Boddie

2 years ago #26

Lada 🏡 Prkic

2 years ago #25

The first famous Scot that I can bring to mind is @Ken Boddie. He is a Scottish/Australian engineer who also chases his creative side. 🤗

Ken Boddie

2 years ago #24

@Javier 🐝 CR ’s recent post on Spanish inventions ( https://us.bebee.com/producer/which-of-these-twelve-spanish-Y7LLvGOcKVjV  ) prompted me to repost this oldy about the Scots and their choice lots. 

Ken Boddie

4 years ago #23

One thing I quickly learned in my travels, Jerry, is never to argue with an Irishman ... especially after 10 pints of Guinness. As a former ginga ninja, I share your blotchy skin affliction, but age is a great leveller, as orange turns to various shades of grey and white. Go the grey rangas!

Jerry Fletcher

4 years ago #22

Ken, Great Scot man! As a Ranga I take offense at being deemed Scottish. My family claims Irish parentage all the way back to the time we were transported to America much like most Aussies came to be down under. And so it goes.

Ken Boddie

7 years ago #21

#27
Brilliant find, Dean-san. Direct descendant via both parents, and an X-ray and tank thrown into the lineage. This Jostle of Jocks is really starting to get interesting.

Dean Owen

7 years ago #20

#26
I'm with you there Ken-san. And who can forget Katharine Hepburn in her last movie, Love Affair....

Dean Owen

7 years ago #19

Well who'd have known. Great Scott, Tilda Swinton is a direct descendant of Robert the Bruce! -http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/celebritynews/6207373/Actress-Tilda-Swinton-is-descendant-of-Robert-the-Bruce.html

Ken Boddie

7 years ago #18

#23
One thing about getting older, Praveen, is the range of beautiful women gets broader. Jenny Agutter, like Helen Mirren, have both aged well and remain as attractive as they were when they first flirted with the camera. Purely window shopping of course!

Ken Boddie

7 years ago #17

#24
Sounds like a prick of a task, Dean-san. 😟

Dean Owen

7 years ago #16

#23
A true England Rose is Jenny. Just as charming now. Even named a daughter after her. Now I'm trying to think of a Scottish Thistle and I draw a blank...

Ken Boddie

7 years ago #15

#21
If your colleague has a thirst for Glenmorangie and wears boots like Johnny Walker, then there's your answer, Dean-san. 😀

Dean Owen

7 years ago #14

#19
Great Scott Praveen Raj Gullepalli, that is cutting edge, and from what I read, highly plausible. I was wondering why my Han Chinese colleague has freckles. He may well be part Celt!

Ken Boddie

7 years ago #13

#19
Connery and Butler are indeed great examples of Scottish stock, Praveen, but I doubt if Jennifer Agutter, who I have worshipped as a goddess of the screen since her days in the 'Railway Children', would thank you for exalting her as a Great Scot. I am reliably informed that she was born in Somerset, in the south of England. Some interesting info you threw into the melting pot, Praveen, on Hindu and Celtic cultures. I must admit, however, that the author's initial comment "Some of this is theoretical. Some of it is proven to exacting standards." leaves me a little bit confused, which, in my case is not difficult to do. 🤔Thanks, anyway, for your valuable contribution to the Jostle of Jocks. 👍

Ken Boddie

7 years ago #12

#17
Stirring stuff, Chas, and thanks for your valuable contribution to the Jostle of Jocks. I didn't know about the Red Indian negotiations, though, and who'd have guessed the bank connection? After all, the Scots are partly responsible for the straight edged coin which was allegedly invented so it could be wrenched out of Scots' palms with a spanner. 😂

Lisa Gallagher

7 years ago #11

#13
Well I'll be 'jiggered' Ken Boddie!

Ken Boddie

7 years ago #10

#7
Great list, Gert, from high moral ground to moving on the ground. You and Kevin Pashuk have obviously both got a taste for the barleycorn.

Ken Boddie

7 years ago #9

#4
Almost missed your comment there, Julie. Glad you had a chuckle. Any favourite Scots?

Ken Boddie

7 years ago #8

#9
So we're related then, Pam. I assume you know my niece, Lisa Gallagher (née Fraser)? 😀

Ken Boddie

7 years ago #7

#8
Not sure, Dean-san, which half of Rod Stewart is Scottish, top or bottom. I've seen him wearing tartan jackets and tartan trews. 🤔

Ken Boddie

7 years ago #6

#6
Don't apologise, Kev. Just send over a bottle ..... or two. 🤗 Slange Var!

Ken Boddie

7 years ago #5

#5
That's because they roll their 'Rs', James, as opposed to rolling their arse, of course! Glad you enjoyed the buzz. 👍

Dean Owen

7 years ago #4

What a noble set of achievements that surely topple the four great Chinese inventions, gunpowder, printing, paper making and compass. I was going to mention that wonderful musician who has just been knotted, opps sorry, knighted, but it turns out he is only half Scottish. And let's not forget Robert the Bruce, some historical figure wither the coolest name!

Gert Scholtz

7 years ago #3

Ken Boddie I nominate as the greatest Scots: Adam Smith, not only for Wealth of Nations but also, and even more so for his Theory of Moral Sentiments. Eric Liddell on whose life the film Chariots of Fire was based. Sean Connery - the best 007 there was. Mark Knopfler for his guitar. Last but not least, Johnny Walker for, um, being able to walk a lot.

Kevin Pashuk

7 years ago #2

Let's not forget the other great Scots... Glenfiddich,, Glenmorange... Oh, sorry, I thought you said 'Scotches'.

Ken Boddie

7 years ago #1

#2
Thanks, Froilán, for your worthy contribution to my Jostle of Jocks. 👍

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