cutlery

Isn’t this gorgeous? The fork threw me at first, but someone in the comments to the article had an explanation which further reading supported (there are a couple beautiful Roman forks here). Whatever its age, it is very cool tool.

I realize I haven’t posted any of my work recently, I do mean to do that soon!

tulip rete

Whenever I pass by I admire a beautiful astrolabe in the clock repair shop around the corner. There are many lovely things in the window, but I’ve always been especially fond of these instruments. The Museo di Storia della Scienza has a great collection, and the British Musem has this – a rare ‘pocket’ version found some years back.

yet more Antikythera Mechanism

Since I linked to Tony Freeth's video on the Antikythera Mechanism a couple months ago, and it was so lovely, I assumed I wouldn't be revisiting that bit of ancient technology here so soon, but between Michael Wright's reconstruction on Youtube (I am totally weak for that kind of thing), and the release of Jo Marchant's book (I've enjoyed her articles in 'New Scientist' and 'Nature'), here we are again. Ms Marchant's book will be available in the U.S. January 2009, or you can order it now from Amazon.co.uk.