Humankind’s Most Important Material
Glass has changed the world like no other substance, but people usually overlook it. An Object Lesson.
Object Lessons
Articles published in partnership with Object Lessons
The Atomic-Bomb Core That Escaped World War II
Before two deadly nuclear mishaps, scientists used to risk “tickling the tail of a sleeping dragon.” An Object Lesson.
The Bidet’s Revival
Invented centuries ago in France, the bidet has never taken off in the States. That might be changing.
Women Are Reinventing the Long-Despised Speculum
The gynecological apparatus, designed by men, has a sordid history. An Object Lesson.
The Jet Engine Is a Futuristic Technology Stuck in the Past
Rockets and turbofans have promised to realize dreams of transportation progress—for decades. An Object Lesson.
The Case for Locking Up Your Smartphone
Lockers and sleeves for phones can feel like an infringement on personal rights, but they also might save people from their worst habits. An Object Lesson.
My Pacemaker Is Tracking Me From Inside My Body
Cloud-connected medical devices save lives, but also raise questions about privacy, security, and oversight. An Object Lesson.
The Accidental Poison That Founded the Modern FDA
Elixir Sulfanilamide was a breakthrough antibiotic—until it killed more than 100 people. An Object Lesson.
Does ‘Counting Your Blessings’ Work?
Doing so has appealed to people for centuries, but the power of a gratitude list can be misused. An Object Lesson.
The Power Suit’s Subversive Legacy
Women have long borrowed from men’s dress to claim the authority associated with it. It hasn’t always worked. An Object Lesson.