TUESDAY 19TH MAY 2009 IN THE HALL

Where did it all begin? By Mr Michael Wright

What is the earliest scientific instrument?  Some argue the case for aligned structures, such as Stonehenge, or for simple instruments found as grave goods; but for skilled design and execution, complexity and sophisticated purpose at an early date, the Antikythera Mechanism is outstanding.  This assembly of small gear wheels and dials, found in a shipwreck dateable to the 1st Century B C, is the oldest known elaborate portable instrument, and it is truly ‘scientific’ both in its design and its apparent purpose.

The speaker will outline the discovery of the Antikythera Mechanism and our progress in understanding it, in which he has been privileged to play a significant part.  His close examination of the original allows him to speak about it with authority and in detail. He will then discuss its reconstruction, presenting the working model that he has made to illustrate his conviction that the Antikythera Mechanism was a portable planetarium.

Michael Wright was educated at Shrewsbury School and Oriel College, Oxford where he read physics.  In his enthusiasm for mechanical matters he is an autodidact.  He joined the Science Museum in 1971 and worked there until his retirement in 2004.  For most of this time he was Curator  of Mechanical Engineering paying particular attention to the historical development of mechanism, tools and workshop practice.  These subjects carry over in to a range of private activities, with which he mixes research and writing with practical work in his own workshop.  His continuing work on the Antikythera Mechanism combines these interests with his love of the ancient world.  He is an Honorary Research Associate for the Centre for the History of Science, Technology and Medicine at Imperial College, London.

There will be a cash bar open from 6.00 pm, the lecture will start at 6.45 pm and will be followed by supper in the River Room.  The charge for attending the supper with wine is £51.00; there is a small charge of £5.00 for those who just wish to attended the lecture only.

If you would like to attend what will be a most fascinating lecture please complete the form below and return it to me by Wednesday 6th May at the latest as I will be away the week before the lecture.

N J Watson
Clerk

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To: The Clerk, WCSIM, 9 Montague Close, London SE1 9DD

MINERVA LECTURE — to be returned by Wednesday 6th May 2009

Name……………………………………………..

I wish to attend the Minerva lecture with……..guests and stay for supper.  I enclose a cheque for
£………………(£51.00 per person).  Please advise any dietary requirements.

I wish to attend the Minerva Lecture with……….guests but not stay for supper.  I enclose a cheque for……… (£5.00 per person).            (Please delete  whichever is not applicable)

Please advise the names of your guests and provide an address for tickets if you are NOT a member of WCSIM: