Write an expository (informative) essay describing the main character traits of inventors.
Alexander Graham Bell
By: Readworks.org
Alexander Graham Bell was in his laboratory, working on a device that would allow people to talk to one another through wires, even when they were not in the same room, or even the same city. Today, we take for granted that we can communicate in real time with people around the corner and around the globe. But in the 1870’s, when Bell was experimenting with his new project, such an idea was like a fantasy.
On March 10, 1876, that fantasy came to life. It is unclear what exactly unfolded that day, but one story says that while working on his voice transmitter, Bell accidentally knocked over a bottle of transmitting fluid, burning his skin. Instinctively, he called out to his assistant, Thomas Watson, to come help: “Mr. Watson. Come here. I want to see you.”
Watson heard those words and was startled. They had come crackling across the earpiece of what the two inventors had labeled the telephone. The experiment was successful. It was the first telephone call.
Alexander Graham Bell’s interest in communications devices traced back to his childhood in Edinburgh, Scotland. He was born on March 3, 1847 to a father who was an expert in speech production and a mother who was a gifted pianist despite being profoundly deaf. The perseverance and success of his mother in the face of such adversity taught young Alexander that problems were surmountable and that he could help people to overcome them.
From a young age, Alexander’s curiosity propelled him to find solutions to problems. When he was 12 years old, he came up with his first invention. While playing in a grain mill with a friend, he was frustrated by the lengthy time it took to remove the husk from the wheat grain. He went home, thought about it, and created a gadget that used rotating paddles and nail brushes to strip the husk off the grain. It was the first of dozens of varied devices that Bell would invent.
Bell’s curiosity and ingenuity were nurtured by his grandfather, a teacher of speech and elocution. When Bell was 15 years old, he went to live with and care for his grandfather, who was aging and ailing. The two grew very close, and the grandfather encouraged Alexander to pursue his inventive streak.
In 1870, the Bell family’s life changed rather abruptly when they moved to Canada. Bell’s two older brothers had died of tuberculosis, and Alexander’s health had been failing, too. His parents were convinced that America would be a healthier environment and moved, first to Ontario, Canada, then to Boston. Bell thrived. His health improved. Eventually, he began to tutor deaf students in Boston.
The parents of two of his students were excited by Bell’s idea to invent a device that transmitted multiple signals over a single wire. One of the parents learned, however, that another inventor, Elisha Gray, was working on a very similar project at the same time. To encourage Bell and to help rush his work along, the parent hired an electrician by the name of Thomas Watson to be Bell’s assistant. He hoped that between Bell’s clever ideas and Watson’s practical skills, the two men would succeed quickly. However, instead of focusing on a multiple-signal transmission device, Bell and Watson focused much of their time on a device to transmit the human voice over wires. To protect their experiment, Bell and Watson’s voice-transmitting device was registered with the United States patent office. Lewis Latimer, another inventor, helped Bell by drafting the drawings of the device for the patent. The patent was well timed: Gray attempted to file for his own “telephone” the very same day, but he was turned away because the idea was already protected and owned by Bell and his supporters.
On that March morning in 1876, Bell’s dream was achieved when the words “Mr. Watson. Come here. I want to see you” traveled from the room Bell was in to the room Watson was in across telephone wires. The two men took their incredible telephone device on the road, demonstrating its proficiency in city after city. The year after his telephone came to life, Bell married Mabel Hubbard, one of the deaf students whose fathers supported Bell’s dream of inventing the telephone.
Bell was challenged dozens of times in lawsuits by people trying to discredit his patent, especially by other inventors who claimed to have invented the telephone before him. He won every time. Bell created the Bell Telephone Company, and in the first 10 years of its existence, telephone ownership in the United States grew to more than 150,000 people. Bell improved the device over the years. For example, he added a microphone that amplified the voice. He also went on to invent and patent many other devices that would have pleased his mother because of the way they helped people to solve problems.
When Bell died on August 2, 1922 in Nova Scotia, Canada, the entire telephone system was shut down for one minute in tribute to the man who revolutionized communications.
Source 3: Louis Braille
By: Readworks.org
Have you ever noticed when you step into an elevator that next to the buttons showing the floor numbers, there are small plates with a series of raised dots and bumps? Did you ever wonder what those bumps and dots mean and why they are there? When you run your fingers over those plates, you feel the ridges. When blind people touch them, they read the floor numbers. In a grid of six bumps, with two across and three down, a configuration of two raised bumps across the top and one down on the right side is the number 4; one dot on the top left side and two across the middle is the number 8.
Who invented this elaborate setup of bumps and dots that comprise an entire alphabet and numerical system that allows blind people to read with their fingers? Was it a distinguished scientist, or a brilliant author, or perhaps a famous artist?
Actually, this system, which is called braille, was created by a blind 12-year-old French boy and was named for him. Louis was not always blind. He became blind by accident. Louis Braille was born on January 4, 1809 in a small country village near Paris called Coupvray. His father was a leather worker who made harnesses and other leather goods. One day, when he was just three years old, Louis was in his father’s leather workshop. Like many young children, Louis enjoyed imitating his father. He was fiddling with an awl, a small tool with a round wooden handle and a sharp, pointed metal tip that is used to punch holes in leather. While he was playing, the awl slipped and poked Louis in the eye. A doctor treated the wound as best he could and patched the eye. But the eye became infected, and the infection spread to the other eye. Within a short time, young Louis was totally blind in both eyes.
In those days, many blind people became beggars or performers in sideshows. But Louis’s parents refused to allow their son’s disability to get in the way of his studies or his life. Louis attended school like his brothers and sisters, relying on his creativity, intelligence, and drive to overcome obstacles. To help him navigate the village, his father made him canes. The local priest taught him to use his other senses to learn: his hearing to distinguish the calls of different birds, and his sense of smell to identify different plants and flowers. Louis was one of the brightest students in his school.
In 1819, at age 10, Louis earned a scholarship to attend the Royal Institute for Blind Youth in Paris, the first school in the world devoted to blind children. For Louis, going to the school meant leaving his family and the village he knew well, where he felt safe. But Louis and his family knew the school offered him the best opportunity to get an education and lead a successful life. There he excelled in studying history, math, science, and grammar, but he proved especially gifted at music. Louis became an accomplished pianist and organist. He even got a paid job as an organist, playing in a small church near the institute.
The students at the school learned most of their subjects by listening to lessons. But there were a few books that the school’s founder, a man named Valentin Hauy, had developed by printed raised, or embossed, letters. Reading that way was slow, and the books were large and heavy. But they were the only books available then for blind people. Louis Braille began to wonder: wasn’t there a better way to allow blind people to read?
One day Louis learned about the work of a former French army captain named Charles Barbier. Captain Barbier had invented something called “night writing,” a code of 12 raised dots and dashes that allowed soldiers to communicate with one another at night without using lights that would alert the enemy to their location. The soldiers could “feel” the messages with their fingers, and keep safe. The code turned out to be too complex for the soldiers, but it inspired Louis Braille. Louis simplified the system, reduced the series of dots from twelve to six and eliminated the dashes. By the time he was 20, Louis published his first alphabet for the blind, a system he continued to work on and perfect.
And how did Louis create the dots he used in his revolutionary new system? He used an awl. The very tool that caused his blindness became the instrument that brought the opportunity for reading to Louis and generations of blind people to this day.
The world was slow to accept Louis Braille’s innovation. Indeed, during his lifetime, his method was not widely accepted. Louis Braille died at the young age of 43 from tuberculosis, a devastating respiratory disease. He was buried in his home village of Coupvray.
In time, Braille’s method became accepted around the world. “Braille” alphabets were created in languages spanning the globe. Today, we find them not only on elevator plates, but also on computers and cell phones. And the name Louis Braille stands for innovation, courage, and determination.
Inventors are often characterized by certain personality traits that set them apart from others. These traits include curiosity, creativity, perseverance, and problem-solving skills. Alexander Graham Bell and Louis Braille exemplify these traits in their pursuit of their inventions.
Curiosity is a common trait among inventors. Both Bell and Braille showed curiosity from a young age. Bell’s curiosity was evident when he created his first invention at the age of 12. Braille’s curiosity led him to question if there was a better way for blind people to read. This curiosity drove both inventors to explore innovative solutions to problems.
Creativity is another important trait for inventors. Bell demonstrated his creativity in his invention of the telephone. Instead of focusing on a multiple-signal transmission device, he and his assistant, Thomas Watson, focused on a device to transmit the human voice over wires. This creativity resulted in the invention of the telephone, which revolutionized communication. Braille’s creativity was shown in his creation of the braille system. He simplified Captain Barbier’s night writing system, reducing the number of dots and eliminating the dashes, to create an efficient and effective reading system for the blind.
Perseverance is a key trait for inventors as they often face challenges and obstacles along their journey. Bell faced numerous lawsuits attempting to discredit his patent, but he won every time. His determination and perseverance protected his invention and allowed him to create the Bell Telephone Company. Braille also faced resistance to his system, but over time it became accepted worldwide. Despite these challenges, both inventors persisted in their pursuit of their inventions.
Problem-solving skills are essential for inventors as they are constantly seeking solutions to problems. Bell’s interest in communications devices began in his childhood, where he witnessed his mother’s struggle with deafness. This inspired him to find ways to help people overcome their communication barriers. Braille’s accident, which resulted in his blindness, pushed him to find a better way for blind people to read. His determination to solve this problem led him to create the tactile reading system that bears his name.
In conclusion, inventors possess certain traits that set them apart from others. Curiosity, creativity, perseverance, and problem-solving skills are crucial traits for inventors. Alexander Graham Bell and Louis Braille exemplify these traits through their inventions. Their curiosity and creativity led them to find innovative solutions to problems, while their perseverance allowed them to overcome challenges. Their problem-solving skills enabled them to create inventions that have had a significant impact on society.
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Inventors possess a range of character traits that set them apart and fuel their creative pursuits. These traits include insatiable curiosity, boundless creativity, unwavering perseverance, and exceptional problem-solving skills. Alexander Graham Bell and Louis Braille, two celebrated inventors, embody these remarkable traits in their revolutionary inventions and leave a lasting impact on society.
Curiosity is a defining trait among inventors, and both Bell and Braille demonstrated their natural curiosity from a young age. Bell's inquisitive nature became evident when, at the tender age of 12, he devised his first invention—a device to remove husk from wheat grains. Similarly, Braille's curiosity led him to question the reading methods available to the blind, ultimately inspiring his groundbreaking braille system. This unrelenting curiosity served as a driving force, pushing both inventors to explore novel solutions to complex problems.
Creativity plays a key role in the inventive process, and Bell and Braille exhibited unmatched levels of creativity in their respective fields. Bell's ingenuity shone through in his invention of the telephone. Instead of pursuing multiple-signal transmission, he and his assistant, Thomas Watson, focused their efforts on transmitting the human voice over wires. This creative shift forever transformed communication. Braille's creativity manifested in his creation of the braille system—a revolutionary tactile reading system. By simplifying Captain Barbier's complex night writing code, Braille ingeniously devised a system employing raised dots that allowed blind individuals to read with their fingertips. These remarkable displays of creativity distinguish Bell and Braille as extraordinary inventors.
Perseverance is an essential trait for inventors, as they often face challenges and setbacks during the journey of bringing their ideas to life. Bell found himself embroiled in multiple lawsuits challenging his telephone patent. However, his unwavering determination and perseverance allowed him to emerge victorious each time, successfully protecting his invention and establishing the influential Bell Telephone Company. Braille, too, encountered resistance to his system, yet remained steadfast in his vision. Over time, his braille system gained widespread acceptance globally. The perseverance demonstrated by both inventors in the face of adversity exemplifies their unwavering commitment to their inventions.
Possessing exceptional problem-solving skills is fundamental to the inventive process. Bell's interest in communication devices was sparked by his mother's deafness, instilling in him a desire to find solutions to overcome communication barriers. Braille was similarly driven to seek a solution to a problem he faced personally—blindness. His accident at a young age resulted in blindness, prompting him to create a tactile reading system that would revolutionize the way blind individuals accessed information. Both Bell and Braille utilized their unparalleled problem-solving skills to identify and address the challenges they encountered, effectively changing the lives of countless individuals.
In conclusion, inventors possess a unique set of character traits that distinguish them in their pursuit of innovation. The insatiable curiosity, boundless creativity, unwavering perseverance, and exceptional problem-solving skills exhibited by Alexander Graham Bell and Louis Braille played a pivotal role in their groundbreaking inventions. These inventors revolutionized communication and reading, leaving an indelible impact on society. Their remarkable character traits continue to inspire inventors and shape the world we live in today.
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Inventors possess a myriad of remarkable character traits that distinguish them and fuel their creative pursuits. These traits, such as insatiable curiosity, boundless creativity, unwavering perseverance, and exceptional problem-solving skills, play a pivotal role in the success of inventors. Alexander Graham Bell and Louis Braille, two iconic figures in the world of inventions, embody these extraordinary traits and leave an indelible mark on society through their groundbreaking creations.
One of the defining traits of inventors is their insatiable curiosity, and both Bell and Braille exemplify this characteristic. From a young age, Bell displayed an insatiable thirst for knowledge and exploration. His curiosity pushed him to create his first invention at the age of 12, a device to remove husk from wheat grains. Similarly, Braille's intense curiosity led him to inquire about reading methods available to the blind, sparking his revolutionary idea for the braille system. Their insatiable curiosity drove them to relentlessly seek answers and find innovative solutions to complex problems.
Creativity is another crucial trait that sets inventors apart, and Bell and Braille showcased unparalleled levels of creativity in their respective fields. Bell's creative genius is evident in his invention of the telephone. Rather than pursuing the conventional path of multiple-signal transmission, he ingeniously focused on transmitting the human voice over wires, forever revolutionizing communication. In a similar vein, Braille's creativity manifested in his creation of the braille system, which allowed blind individuals to read through a series of raised dots. By simplifying a complex code, Braille developed an intuitive and efficient reading system. Their remarkable creativity pushed the boundaries of possibility and brought about monumental change.
Perseverance, an enduring trait among inventors, played a significant role in both Bell's and Braille's journeys. Bell faced countless challenges and legal battles while defending his telephone patent. However, his unyielding perseverance and unwavering determination propelled him to emerge victorious each time. This unshakeable resolve ultimately led to the establishment of the influential Bell Telephone Company. Braille, too, confronted obstacles along his path. Despite initial resistance to his revolutionary system, his unwavering belief in his invention allowed it to gain recognition worldwide. Their persistence in the face of adversity exemplifies the extraordinary resilience and tenacity of inventors.
Exceptional problem-solving skills are critical for inventors, as they navigate the complexities of bringing their ideas to life. Bell's interest in communication devices stemmed from his mother's deafness, driving him to seek solutions that would overcome communication barriers. In a similar vein, Braille's personal experience with blindness led him to develop a reading system that would empower blind individuals. Both inventors utilized their exceptional problem-solving skills to identify challenges and engineer groundbreaking solutions. Their commitment to overcoming obstacles and finding innovative answers showcases their relentless pursuit of excellence.
In conclusion, inventors possess a remarkable blend of character traits that propel them to greatness. The insatiable curiosity, boundless creativity, unwavering perseverance, and exceptional problem-solving skills exhibited by Alexander Graham Bell and Louis Braille distinguish them as extraordinary inventors. Their pioneering inventions revolutionized society, pushing the boundaries of possibility and enriching the lives of countless individuals. These inventors continue to inspire future generations, as their legacy serves as a testament to the transformative power of human ingenuity.
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Inventors possess an array of extraordinary character traits that propel them to greatness. These remarkable traits, such as insatiable curiosity, boundless creativity, unwavering perseverance, and exceptional problem-solving skills, set them apart and allow them to achieve monumental feats. Alexander Graham Bell and Louis Braille, seminal figures in the world of inventions, exemplify these extraordinary traits on a grand scale, forever revolutionizing their respective fields and leaving an indelible mark on society.
Curiosity, an insatiable thirst for knowledge and exploration, fuels the minds of inventors