The Importance of Learning History: Ensuring Safety and Advancing Knowledge

History is often seen as a subject that is only useful for understanding the past. However, its value extends far beyond that. By studying historical events, we can learn valuable lessons and avoid repeating costly mistakes. Two prime examples are the failure of the St. Francis Dam and the discovery of penicillin.

The St. Francis Dam: A Lesson in Geologic Civil Engineering

The failure of the St. Francis Dam in 1928, built by Mulholland over a paleo-slide site, serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of disregarding geological knowledge. The dam failed because the ground beneath it was porous and began to expand and uplift once the lake behind it filled with water. This caused large cracks in the concrete of the dam, leading to its catastrophic failure. The water behind the dam, an astounding 36,000 acre-feet, traveled 55 miles to the Pacific, killing over 450 people.

While this tragedy could seem like a purely historical event, it led to the development of an entirely new field: geologic civil engineering. This field helps in identifying appropriate geological sites for dams and other major civil engineering projects, which has likely saved thousands of lives since its inception.

The Discovery of Penicillin: Chance and Prepared Mind

The discovery of penicillin by Alexander Fleming is another excellent example of learning from historical events and applying it to modern science. Fleming discovered penicillin when he returned from vacation and noticed that a mold had contaminated his bacterial cultures, preventing bacterial growth. This discovery led to the identification and large-scale purification of antibiotics, which have saved millions of lives.

Fleming’s observation of the mold offers a powerful lesson in the importance of preparedness. As Pasteur once said, 'chance favors the prepared mind.' This means that when we encounter unexpected situations, we should think critically about what might have caused them. By knowing the history of science, we can continuously promote new discoveries.

Critiques and Criticism

While history has proven invaluable, there are those who argue against its relevance. Some suggest that history lessons come from 'shitty religious storybooks,' implying a biased or mythological approach. However, genuine history education is not about religious indoctrination but about understanding the historical context, societal changes, and scientific advancements that have shaped our world.

So, while we should acknowledge and address criticisms, it is essential to recognize the transformative power of history. Whether it is through the lessons of engineering failures or the unexpected discoveries of medicine, history provides us with valuable knowledge and insights we need to navigate the complexities of modern life.