After 87 years, researchers from the University of Queensland in Brisbane, Australia, have registered the fall of the ninth drop of break in a container. 13 years, four months and 33 days have passed since the fall of the eighth. The longest scientific experiment in history has taken a new step.
It all started in 1927 in a classroom. Professor Thomas Parnell, custodian of the experiment until his death, wanted to demonstrate to his students that there are substances that appear to be solid but are high viscosity fluids. To certify his thesis, Parnell filled a sealed neck funnel with hot break. After three years of rest, the teacher cut the neck of the funnel and began this experiment that still lasts today.
The rhythm of fall has been approximately one drop per decade. The first fell in 1938, the second in 1947, the third in 1954, the fourth in 1962, La Quinta in 1970 and La Sexta in 1979. Since the fall of the seventh drop in 1988, the cabin is isolated and in environmental conditions Controlled, to prevent temperature variations from varying fluid viscosity. Thanks to this, and the fall of the eighth drop in 2000, today we know that the break (under certain conditions) is approximately 2.3x1011 times more viscose than water.
We will not always have all the time in the world to demonstrate that our theories are right, or to achieve our work or personal objectives, or to progress in a friendship or loving relationship. It is true that it is important to take advantage of the time we have, that we should not expect forever.
However, patience is essential for any achievement we want to achieve. Patience, together with constancy, will make us unstoppable. Not surprisingly, Rousseau said that "patience is bitter, but its fruits are sweet."
Let's wait, let's insist. Nine drops of break in 87 years. But they still fall.
