After this little interlude, the distance between the three of them immediately closed considerably.
The conversation quickly turned back to Lionel's needs.
Lionel described in detail his dissatisfaction with existing typewriters and bicycles, and his urgent desire to improve their efficiency.
Lionel said frankly, "I can't precisely draw engineering diagrams, nor can I calculate stress or friction coefficients.
I have some concepts in my mind, some images of how they should be.
Perhaps... perhaps we can call this another form of 'conjecture'?"
Henri Poincaré's interest was piqued:
"Improving mechanical efficiency? Optimizing tools? This is fascinating!
This is an excellent exercise in applied mathematics and physics, Pierre, what do you think?"
Pierre Curie nodded; he was equally interested in practical application problems:
"It sounds very challenging.
I'm also very curious, Lionel, what do the tools you imagine look like?"
Lionel excitedly stood up:
"In that case, if it's convenient for you two, why don't we go to my place now?
Shall we take a look together at those two 'primitive tools' that are both loved and hated?
I can also try to draw the 'sketches' from my mind for you!"
Poincaré and Curie exchanged glances, both seeing strong curiosity in the other's eyes, and readily agreed.
Arriving at 117 Boulevard Saint-Germain, Lionel immediately took them to see his Remington No. 2 typewriter and the "Rover Safety" bicycle parked in the porch.
Henri Poincaré and Pierre Curie were both observing these two emerging innovations so closely for the first time.
Pierre Curie was more hands-on; he tried tapping the typewriter keys a few times and then knelt to inspect the bicycle's chain and transmission structure.
Henri Poincaré focused more on observing its working principles and structural logic, occasionally posing a pertinent question or two.
Then, Lionel led them to the large desk in his study, spread out a stack of white paper, and picked up a drawing pencil.
Lionel began sketching as he spoke:
"First, the typewriter..."
He drew a body roughly similar to a Remington typewriter, but with differences in the details:
"I think the key feel should be lighter and quicker, with faster rebound...
Here, perhaps a better spring mechanism is needed? Most importantly, the typing area should be immediately visible, rather than being blind-typed and then pulled out for checking..."
He tried to draw the linked type bars, as well as a concept drawing of the later type of typewriter where the paper roller stands upright in front of the typist.
Although Lionel's drawing skills were rudimentary, the general form was discernible.
Then he drew a few more keys:
"Also, the characters... it must be easy to type all French accent marks!
Perhaps a separate, light-touch key group specifically for adding accent marks could be designed?"
Henri Poincaré and Pierre Curie took the draft sketches and began to ponder them seriously.
After a while, Lionel flipped to another page and started drawing a bicycle:
"The biggest problem with this bike is that it's too bumpy and not flexible enough.
I think the wheels... the wheels should be hollow, filled with air... that way it won't be so bumpy!"
He drew a cross-section of a tire:
"Like a soft air cushion that can absorb vibrations.
This might require a tough, well-sealed rubber tube, but with a hole left for inflation."
Henri Poincaré and Pierre Curie leaned in, observing carefully, their brows sometimes furrowed, sometimes relaxed.
Pierre Curie mused,
"An inflatable rubber tube? That's a bold idea! But sealing and strength would be issues."
Lionel continued drawing:
"Then there's the transmission; the chain could be lighter and stronger, but that's not the most critical part.
Here, the axle of the wheel needs a very smooth bearing made of many small steel balls to minimize friction...
I know, such bearings seem to already exist now..."
He clumsily drew a bunch of small circles inside a larger circle.
Henri Poincaré was somewhat surprised:
"It seems you pay close attention to the development of engineering machinery; such bearings do exist, it's a development of the last decade or so..."
Lionel didn't grasp the compliment and continued drawing his diagrams:
"And the brakes... the current ones are too unreliable.
Perhaps a mechanism could be designed, operated by a hand lever pulling a cable, causing rubber blocks to tightly and evenly squeeze the hub or rim..."
Lionel's drawing skills were crude, with many erroneous details completely inconsistent with engineering standards.
However, the "concepts" he proposed—visible typing, pneumatic tires, ball bearings, reliable caliper brakes—
were like flashes of lightning, striking open the minds of Henri Poincaré and Pierre Curie!
These ideas were not castles in the air; the underlying principles of engineering and mechanics were simple and clear.
Most critically, Lionel's proposals highlighted a relentless pursuit of "efficiency" and "comfort," pointing towards a more human-centered design direction.
Henri Poincaré's eyes gleamed with excitement.
He picked up a sketch, his finger pointing to the diagram of the inflatable tire:
"A brilliant concept, Monsieur Sorel!
Using air's compressibility and elasticity to dampen vibrations!
And this... 'ball bearing,' transforming sliding friction into rolling friction—a stroke of genius in simplification!"
Pierre Curie also picked up another concept drawing of the typewriter:
"An instantly visible typing area... this requires an ingenious linkage design.
And a dedicated accent key group, that truly is key to improving French typing efficiency!
Though you don't understand engineering drawing, your imagination—
Henri is right, it's simply the intuition of a genius engineer! Where do you get these inspirations?"
Lionel could only attribute it again to that universal explanation:
"Observation, contemplation, and a little bit of impractical fantasy. I just vaguely feel that they 'should' work this way. The specific implementation will rely on your wisdom, gentlemen."
Henri Poincaré paced a few steps in the living room:
"This isn't just about improving two tools, Monsieur Sorel!
This is more challenging and more interesting than solving a complex differential equation!
Pierre, what do you think?"
The fire in Pierre Curie's eyes also ignited:
"Yes, Henri. This will require calculations, experiments, and finding suitable materials.
But it's very much worth trying. Monsieur Sorel, if you permit, I would also be delighted to participate.
Henri and I can work together to try and turn your 'conjectures' into reality."
Lionel was overjoyed:
"Excellent! This is exactly what I hoped for!
Funding, materials, venue—if needed, I will take responsibility for providing them!"
Lionel felt as if he could already see the smoother typewriter and more comfortable bicycle, no longer mere sketches in his mind, but about to become tangible realities.
This passion for creation completely swept over him for a time, making him forget literary endeavors and immerse himself in the immense joy of transforming the material world.
Lionel took a bottle of Bordeaux from the wine cabinet and poured a glass each for Pierre Curie and Henri Poincaré.
He raised his glass and said to the two of them,
"Once these two 'projects' are completed, they will sweep the world!
Typewriters, bicycles—they will become an indispensable part of 'modern life.' To 'modern life'!"
Pierre Curie and Henri Poincaré also raised their glasses high:
"To 'modern life'!"
(End of chapter)