[geeks] New Horizons

[Charles Shannon Hendrix]

Patrick Giagnocavo 717-201-3366 wrote:

> There is sort-of precedent in that in the field of optics, there were 
 > excellent lens designs that could not be put into production until
 > some part of materials science caught up.

The same is true for quite a few computer algorithms, some of which were 
written many years before they could be implemented, or implemented 
efficiently enough to make use of.

There were failed auto engine designs from the 20s onward that many 
believed were actually good ideas.  It's only been fairly recently that 
materials technology has progressed enough to make the designs work, and 
some are now part of nearly ever car sold.

All kinds of ideas are ahead of their time.