We stumbled upon the Antikythera Mechanism while visiting the National Archaeological Museum of Athens. It is a device that calculates eclipses and other events using mechanical calculation. It was found in a ship wreck and is believed to be from approximately 100 BCE. Wikipedia has a thorough article for anyone interested.
For tech geeks this artifact ranks up there with the difference engine for its historical significance in our attempts to automate calculation.
For tech geeks this artifact ranks up there with the difference engine for its historical significance in our attempts to automate calculation.
Of course, there are centuries (eons?) of "difference" between the Antikythera Mechanism and the difference machine... This device is truly awesome! Can you imagine coming up with it in those times? You'd be indicted of sorcery...
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