The Shadow of Great Britain-Chapter 515 - 271: Politics and Science (4K4)_3

Louis had just finished speaking when Cook looked completely puzzled.

This medical student from Heidelberg University, rubbing the back of his head, could not figure it out: "Potatoes? Electricity? How do these two things connect?"

Arthur just smiled, "The specific principle still needs to be researched, this is like electromagnetic induction. Perhaps someone will get inspiration from this phenomenon and come up with an invention like the telegraph machine."

Cook shook his head repeatedly, "Although I really don’t want to admit it, sometimes science does require a bit of talent. Discoveries that geniuses like you and Mr. Faraday make in an afternoon might take a mediocrity like me months or even years to understand. The Royal Society just announced Faraday’s discovery of waves this morning, and in the afternoon, you brought me a potato battery, this is really..."

Arthur, looking at the distressed Cook, simply waved his hand with a smile, "Mr. Cook, you must not sell yourself short. That telegraph machine you mentioned to me has especially piqued my interest. I assure you, if you can develop it, I can immediately place an order on behalf of Scotland Yard. Not just that, I’m certain that the Financial City would also be very interested. After all, to those stockbrokers, getting news a day earlier could mean earning tons of gold."

At those words, Cook, who had been on the brink of despondency, instantly swept away his gloom, the young man nearing bankruptcy pledging confidently, "Mr. Hastings, you can rest assured about the telegraph machine. I guarantee you, it is entirely feasible in theory; making it is just a matter of time."

"If that is the case," Arthur said with a slight smile, "maybe I can also help you with the patent issue through Charles, expedite it through a fast-track, one week and it could be done. However... Mr. Cook, as you know, just like when you were in the Army, going through such means for a patent application definitely requires a trivial contribution."

Upon hearing this, Cook nodded gravely, "Of course... that’s how things are done in Britain, I understand your point. Those bastards only recognize money, not people, and they unabashedly call this a market economy, free trade, that’s utterly shameless."

Arthur chuckled and shook his head, "No, Mr. Cook, you’ve misunderstood. Money has never been the issue, the wealthy Mr. Wheatstone will naturally take care of that. From our side, as you know, Scotland Yard is a law enforcement department, so we just need a clear confidentiality agreement."

"A confidentiality agreement?"

Before Cook could grasp what was going on, he saw a dispersing crowd emerging from the lecture hall.

Among this throng, Faraday, wearing a pleated white shirt and an old tailcoat, still stood out from the crowd with his elegance.

However, today Faraday’s face was not adorned with his signature gentle smile.

On the contrary, Faraday’s expression was somewhat unattractive, and one could even perceive a hint of anger from between his brows and eyes.

Several men, neatly dressed, rushed after Faraday, chasing as they walked, "Mr. Faraday, Mr. Faraday, please hear us out, the Minister had absolutely no intention to offend you. He’s always that casual, whether in front of the Prime Minister or other Cabinet members, that’s just how he is. We assure you, it wasn’t something the Minister did directed solely at you."

Arthur at first hadn’t paid attention to those people, but upon a closer look, he recognized them as familiar faces—all were Civil Servants from the Home Office.

"Viscount Melbourne has offended Faraday?"

After pondering for a moment, Arthur decided to follow up.