Misconceptions of scientists: 6 most ridiculous predictions about the future of science and technology (7 photos)

Often scientists, engineers and industrialists make predictions about how the technological and scientific sphere will develop.





True, their judgments are not always correct. Below we will talk about the most ridiculous assumptions of scientists.

Baron and the flying machine

For his enormous contribution to science, William Thomson was awarded the title of baron. He was an outstanding engineer and physicist, but he was a poor predictor. For example, back in 1885, he argued that it would be impossible to invent an aircraft that would be heavier than air. He also spoke unflatteringly about X-ray radiation, considering it pure fraud.



Harry's Skepticism

When Sam Warner approached his brother with the idea of making a film that would feature actors' voices, Harry Warner was skeptical of the proposal. Then he said that no one would want to hear the actors speak. Nevertheless, already in 1927, Warner Brothers released the first sound film, opening a new page in the history of cinema.





American Broadcaster Misconception

The famous New York Times published an article in 1936 stating that the rocket would never be destined to leave the Earth's atmosphere. Needless to say, how much the oldest American printed publication was wrong?



Useless aviation

Ferdinand Foch, being a military leader, once said that during military operations aviation would be useless, calling aircraft just entertaining toys. However, during the First World War, he apparently changed his mind and was not at all shy about using it.



Technological dead end

Apparently, Professor Erasmus Wilson of the University of Oxford was not impressed by electric lighting. In 1878, he predicted a bleak future for him, saying that after his presentation at the World's Fair, he would quickly be forgotten and never remembered again.



World collapse

As an inventor and engineer, Robert Metcalfe predicted the death of the most widespread system in the world - the Internet. He believed that by 1996 the World Wide Web would collapse. As we see, only the words of the scientist failed.