The Antikythera Mechanism is the oldest known scientific computer, built in Greece at around 100 BCE. Lost for 2000 years, it was recovered from a shipwreck in 1901. But not until a century later was its purpose understood: an astronomical clock that determines the positions of celestial bodies with extraordinary precision.
In 2010, a fully-functional replica was built out of Lego, using 1500 Technic parts and 110 gears. Not sure which is cooler – the thought that someone 2000 years ago figured that out, or that a readily available toy allows you to recreate it.
That is part of the reason why I love Lego so much – sure it’s a kids toy, but it is a powerful engineering/modelling/prototyping tool as well.
That is part of the reason why I love Lego so much – sure it’s a kids toy, but it is a powerful engineering/modelling/prototyping tool as well.
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment