Just before leaving for Europe, I noted that an exceptional exhibition about scientific marvels was on display until the end of February (actually March 1st) at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.   While thinking about Session #4 of MHC360 on Wednesday AM, my younger son and I visited the show and were astounded by many of the remarkable ornaments, computational devices,
scientific tools,
clocks,
and playful extravagances
that had been created, mainly by wealthy rulers, mostly royalty, in Europe between the 16th and 18th centuries.    The introduction emphasized the role of science in the creation of these marvels, but (as we discussed in class last night) the inventions did not usually provide advantages to the public in the manner that inspired Vannevar Bush!

 

I hope that at least a few of you can get to see the show.