One of the highlights of Dr. Stone is Senku's super-science, where he gathers materials from prehistoric times and creates various inventions! He overcomes numerous challenges before achieving his goal, and using various materials, he creates inventions that astound those around him. Naturally, the cooperation of the villagers is essential for this process, but the key to success is Senku's vast knowledge, a key attribute of the chemistry kingdom! This time, we'll introduce five of Senku's inventions!
Specially Selected Science #1: Camera
First up is the oldest camera in human history! The process of making this camera also involves creating a mirror, which is where chemistry comes into play. The materials used in this science experiment were sodium hydroxide, silver, and ammonia. By immersing glass in these liquids and then adding glucose, they created the mirror that would become the camera's film. Incidentally, the machine was made by Kaseki's grandfather.
How the Camera Came About
Senku and his friends originally intended to make bread, not a camera. However, they struggled to bake the bread properly, and a professional in this field was needed. It all started when Gen promised to build a camera in exchange for Minami's secret revival fluid to revive François, a professional at this industry.
Make one, mass production is a piece of cake?
Holding a camera for the first time in thousands of years, Minami was so moved that he broke down in tears, clutching it. It was a touching scene, as he resolved to use this one camera to record the new world. However, immediately afterward, Senku brought out a large number of cameras. It seems that cameras can be easily mass-produced, not just one, and they decided to use them to take aerial photographs from a hot air balloon.
The first photo in the New World is, of course, this person!
Senku said he'd take tons of photos with his numerous cameras, but Minami insisted, "At least let me take the first commemorative photo." And so, of course, Senku became the first model! He was made to strike various poses, but in the end, he struck the pose of the world's most famous scientist! Einstein's tongue out.
Specially Selected Science Part 2: Nitroglycerin
The second thing we'll introduce is the extremely dangerous chemical nitroglycerin! This is a secret weapon used in the final battle with the Tsukasa Empire, and as you all know, it's extremely dangerous. Even the slightest impact can cause a massive explosion, and if you get it wrong, as Senku said, not a single shred of flesh will remain.
How do I use nitroglycerin?
Senku aims to use nitroglycerin to destroy his opponent's will to fight, but he faces one major challenge: how to use the nitroglycerin. Since he has sworn not to kill anyone, he needs to detonate it in a secluded location. That's when a paper airplane comes in handy! He soaks it in nitroglycerin to intimidate his opponent.
Nitroglycerin. How powerful is it?
Nitroglycerin is simply soaked into a paper airplane. So how powerful is that? As you can see, it explodes with a thunderous bang. Its power is truly dynamite. At first, the paper airplane was flying off in a daze, but when Ukyo attached nitroglycerin to the tip of his bow, the enemy completely lost their will to fight.
Specially Selected Science Part 3: Cell Phones
The third major invention is the cell phone! Although Senku does have a smartphone, this is just for illustration. What he's making is a kind of communication device that's too large to carry around. Still, it still transmits radio waves, and it takes an incredible amount of time and effort to gather the materials and make it.
The Road to Completing a Mobile Phone...
This is a diagram of the process of completing a mobile phone. Numerous materials are prepared, and then plastic, circuit boards, batteries, vacuum tubes, microphones, and earphones are added... It may seem simple, but it's incredibly time-consuming. It feels like a culmination of all the science we've learned up until now.
Accidental? On purpose? The truth revealed after it was completed.
After overcoming numerous obstacles, the cell phone was finally completed! …or so you might think. Senku then revealed a shocking statement: "Oh no! I needed another one." It's true that a phone only works when there's someone on the other end. However, Senku, fearing that it would be disheartening if he were to say two phones were needed from the start, refrained from revealing that he needed another one after the first one was completed.
Selected Science #4: Automobiles
The invention born from the fourth science is the automobile! It's called the Steam Gorilla! Despite its brave name, it actually uses a single-acting oscillating engine, which doesn't produce much power on slopes. At the time, automobiles were created for transporting goods.
The Steam Gorilla has evolved to recapture the Miracle Cave!
The battle with the Tsukasa Empire has begun, and the group heads out to recapture the Miracle Cave. At the center of their efforts is the Steam Gorilla, upgraded to a tank. Its armor is reinforced with carbon fiber, its tires are now caterpillar-style, and its engine has been upgraded to a double-acting type.
What does the Steam Gorilla look like now?
The Steam Gorilla has now fulfilled its missions, transporting supplies and recapturing the Miracle Cave. It's been remodeled to a much more stylish look, and now seems to be able to effortlessly navigate slopes that previously posed a challenge for the double pistons. Even the old man in the fossil store is so stylish that he's starting to look stylish too (lol).
Specially Selected Science #5: Sulfa Drugs
Finally, we'll introduce the scientific panacea, sulfa drugs! These so-called antibiotics were created to cure Ruri's illness. The process of making this medicine was difficult, but getting Ruri to drink it was the most difficult part! It takes a lot of effort, from completing the medicine to taking it, including the need to become the village chief.
The journey to completing the panacea...
This diagram shows the journey to completing the panacea, a sulfa drug. The production process involves many dangerous ingredients, including hydrochloric acid, which can cause blindness if splashed into the eyes, chlorosulfuric acid, which dissolves skin, and sodium hydroxide, which can even dissolve corpses. It's truly a life-risking endeavor to create this medicine.
Summary of Science Appearing in Dr. Stone
What did you think of the five science and inventions introduced above? Personally, I couldn't resist the cotton candy machine and the glasses, but I've narrowed it down to these five. I'm looking forward to seeing the various chemistry inventions that will appear in the future!
Related Dr. STONE Products
Dr. STONE
If you discovered the wonder of chemistry through Dr. STONE, this is a must-read! Kindle Unlimited subscribers can read it for free! Real science, chemistry, is more amazing than armchair theory!
Manga Version
Currently serialized in Jump! The tankobon edition is also popular! The manga is also available on Kindle!
