Gisella's School

This week in history I enjoyed learning about the mousetrap, and the diesel engine.

            First I learned about the mousetrap. Mice and other rodents spread disease and damage our property. The quest for the better mousetrap began in the 1800s, with William Hooker inventing the wining models in 1894.  It’s a spring loaded design that, when the mouse grabs the bait, it triggers the spring that swings the bar to snap the mouse’s neck. The patent holders sold out and merged to manufacture improved models. It’s a popular invention to improve upon and it has become a symbol for American creativity and entrepreneurship.

            Lastly, I learned about the diesel engine. The science of the thermodynamics advanced rapidly in the-1800s. Rudolph Diesel invented the diesel engine in 1893. The diesel engine is reliable and fuel efficient and also robust. It embraced quickly beginning in 1894, and made its way into ships and locomotives as replacements for the steam engine. It’s widespread in construction equipment today and as a backup power source in power plants and businesses.

            This weed in history I learned about things that help with rodents, diseases, and cars.