Saying that inventions are crucial to the course of history would be a truism. In this lecture, I will show you one particular invention which might not have been an immediate turning point, but in the long run provided great development to the Eastern countries. First, let us look at the instrument itself.
As you see, these are two short metal rods mounted on thin axles – looks like nothing special. However, you should notice that however I move them, the red ends of the rods will keep pointing towards each other. Even though it might be merely a toy when I use them like this, it becomes very useful when they are held way further apart. This kind of instrument has a very long history – let us look at it…
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Hennigath, year 446 of Era II
The birth of the instrument – known as Bakshi Rods – happened in this very Institute, in the early days of its functioning. One of the scholars, Bakshi Hansa, wanted to create a tool that would increase the efficiency of long-distance travel by allowing the travellers to find their way. No attempts on purely mechanical devices seemed useful, and he would give up on each after a short time of testing. Finally, he decided to go in a direction rather unpopular among our people – that is, to make use of magic.
Fortunately for him, Bakshi was magic, and had studied some basic spells during his visits to Annyeohan. Even so, his abilities were not immediately sufficient to create the instrument he wanted. He studied magic for over a year, and asked a few other gifted scholars for help. Finally, after over two years of work, they created the first prototype of what you are seeing today – metal rods, magically induced to point towards each other’s location. Initially, it was imperfect, but achieved its basic goal – finding the position of the other rod. Over time, several improvements were introduced, most importantly the coloring that greatly limits possible misinterpretations.
Bakshi presented the invention to the Director of the Institute and the Governor of our province. Soon, the rods became popular, and many uses were found for them. The military was creative in implementing the novelty. Not only did they use it for coordination – for instance allowing units to find each other in difficult terrain or to reach a rally point easily – but also for intelligence – spies could put a rod deep in a target’s luggage and hence have relatively accurate information on their whereabouts, at least until the luggage was dismantled. Civilians were no slower in using the invention – a few years after it was first presented, almost every trade caravan would have at least one set, and often multiple that would point to different destinations. It provided great improvement in navigation, which meant financial gains for trade companies that could transport goods over long distances in a shorter time. Some would find more interesting and more private uses for the instrument – for instance, several noblemen made their wives carry one in order to make sure they don’t go where they shouldn’t. The justice system also found a new opportunity – dangerous individuals were implanted with a rod in order to make sure they don’t leave a designated safe area, or to facilitate search in case of a prison break.
Overall, the invention was greatly beneficial for the region and its people. With this, we will conclude the lecture. Thank you.
Aedilër 