1921 Fossil Fuel Prediction and the Alligator Pear

  

A woman with a Chrysler vehicle, circa 1920s.

(Gamma-Keystone via Getty Images)

This 1921 Science News report predicts modifications to combustion engines that will reduce gasoline consumption. The article was written by E. H. Leslie, Associate Professor of Chemical Engineering at the University of Michigan. He mentions the production of "synthetic gasoline" and the future increased dependence of the United States on imported petroleum products.

E.

H. the production of "synthetic gasoline" and the future increased dependence of the United States on imported petroleum products.

The paper includes a report on the Alligator Pear, otherwise known as the avocado. At the time of the report (July 18, 2921) over 1200 acres of avocados grew in Florida and California. The cost of this fruit was high in the 1920s due to scarcity. The growers have managed to sustain the high prices throughout the subsequent decades.

STEM students will find the Science News Archives helpful for research on historical developments in science.