The discovery of bioelectricity and current electricity The Galvani-Volta controversy

Amid the tumultuous confusion and complexity of modern events, it is difficult to acquire the general historical perspective so important to the scientist and the engineer of pioneering nature. Yet a broad vision of the past is a most valuable asset to the workers and inventors of today. It forms a foundation for further progress and suggests roads to even higher goals than we have thus far reached. It is truly said that we of today stand on the shoulders of giants. To help us use the past to inspire us to future achievement, the authors of this article give us a thrilling trip in what might be termed a ``technological time machine.´´ Hopefully we shall all benefit from the lessons set forth, from the examples of Galvani and Volta, of Nobili and Matteucci. We of the space age, with all the array of modern techniques at our command, clearly still can gain much by noting and emulating the ingenuity, inspirational qualities, and tenacity of purpose of these great pioneers. Present-day investigators may also marvel at the insight of their predecessors who derived so much fundamental knowledge with the primitive and even erratic equipment at their disposal. It is truly remarkable that they wrested such great wisdom from such limited resources. If the story of their ability can continue to guide and encourage the scientist and the engineer, then the future promises ever-greater accomplishments for the service of mankind.