Following the thread

摘要

One of the earliest human inventions has been a key factor in our development for many thousands of years. In any measure, tonnage, monetary value, or volume, we have used more of this than any other manufactured device. It comes in many forms and can be made from many materials, and yet we take it for granted. What is this wonder technology? The answer is cordage, the general name for thread, string, cord, rope, hawser, and cable. Its related forms include woven cloth, belts and straps, knitting, fibre reinforced materials and even basket weaving. Ropes have been used structurally as fasteners and tension members (both in linear form and as a cloth); various mechanical devices, with pulleys for lifting and pulling, as belts for transmitting power, and as bowstrings, snares, slings, or other hunting weapons; as wire for fences and high strength uses as wire rope, and much more.