Ebenezer Clifford, a 19th-century planemaker in Maine, supplemented his income by diving for shipwrecks. He used a diving suit of his own design, featuring a helmet with a glass faceplate and a flexible hose supplying air from the surface. Clifford’s diving exploits, recovering items like anchors and cannons, were well-known locally. He apparently applied his ingenuity to both planemaking and diving, showcasing a remarkable combination of craftsmanship and adventurous spirit.
The 2015 Richmond Times-Dispatch opinion piece argues that America needs to rediscover the value of skilled trades. Author J.D. Holmberg laments the societal push towards four-year college degrees, neglecting the essential roles and inherent dignity of jobs involving manual labor. He believes this has led to both a shortage of skilled workers and a devaluation of craftsmanship. Holmberg advocates for promoting vocational training and apprenticeships, emphasizing the rewarding aspects of these careers, both personally and for the overall strength of the nation's economy and infrastructure. He suggests that recognizing and celebrating the contributions of skilled tradespeople will help restore their rightful place in society.
HN commenters largely agree with the article's premise about the value of skilled trades. Several shared personal anecdotes about the satisfaction and financial stability found in such careers, contrasting it with the often-disappointing outcomes of a traditional four-year college path. Some highlighted the societal perception problem surrounding trades, emphasizing the need for better education and respect for these essential jobs. A few questioned the romanticism of manual labor, pointing to the physical toll and potential for exploitation. The idea of promoting vocational training alongside traditional academics was also discussed, with commenters suggesting earlier exposure to trades in school could help students discover their aptitudes and interests.
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https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43225805
Hacker News users discussed the intriguing story of Ebenezer Clifford, a planemaker and diving bell inventor. Several commenters focused on the ingenuity of Clifford's diving bell design, particularly its use of a weighted bellows system for air replenishment. Some debated the historical accuracy of attributing the invention solely to Clifford, pointing to earlier diving bell iterations. Others expressed fascination with Clifford's dual professions and the potential connection between woodworking precision and the technical demands of underwater exploration. A few users shared additional resources about early diving technology, highlighting the dangers and limitations of these pioneering devices. The overall sentiment was one of admiration for Clifford's ingenuity and the historical context of his inventions.
The Hacker News post "The Planemaker Who Walked Beneath the Water" (linking to an article about Ebenezer Clifford, a diving bell inventor and planemaker) has generated several comments, offering various perspectives and additional information.
One commenter points out the impressive feat of Clifford's diving bell invention, highlighting its use in salvage operations and mentioning its remarkable depth capability of 23 fathoms (138 feet). They express fascination with the technology of the time and how such a device could operate at that depth.
Another comment elaborates further on the historical context of diving bells, drawing a parallel between Clifford's bell and the earlier one designed by Edmund Halley. They explain that Halley's bell replenished its air supply by sending weighted barrels of air down to the bell, a method that Clifford's design seemingly improved upon.
A separate comment shifts the focus to the woodworking aspect, expressing admiration for Clifford's craftsmanship as a planemaker. They link this skill to the precision and ingenuity required for building a diving bell, suggesting a correlation between the two pursuits.
Furthering the discussion on the diving bell's mechanics, another commenter questions how the air pressure inside the bell was managed, speculating about the potential discomfort or danger of rapid pressure changes during ascent and descent. They also wonder about the effects of the increased air pressure at such depths.
Another commenter picks up on the pressure discussion, pointing out the significant pressure at 23 fathoms and suggesting that even a slow ascent would necessitate decompression stops to avoid the bends. This introduces a modern diving concept into the historical context, raising questions about the diving practices of that era.
Finally, a comment contributes a personal anecdote about diving in a similar antique diving helmet. They describe the experience of breathing compressed air and the restricted field of vision, offering a glimpse into what using such equipment might have been like.
The comments overall demonstrate a blend of curiosity about the historical technology, admiration for Clifford's skills, and a thoughtful consideration of the practical challenges associated with early diving. They enrich the original post by providing additional context and perspectives on both the diving bell and the planemaking aspects of Clifford's life.