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.

The Scientific Instruments Society have presented the WCSIM with a copy of Gloria Clifton's Directory of Scientific Instrument Makers. The publication of this book was originally supported by the WCSIM. Deputy Master David Smith represented the WCSIM at the presentation.

For more information see the SIS website at www.sis.org.uk

The SIM F&GP committee members strongly support the Russell Scientific Instruments objections to the new directive 2007/51/EC Council 76/769/EEC restricting the marketing of certain devices containing mercury. The attached letter from the managing director requests interested persons to add their names to the petition as indicated.

The committee asks the members of WCSIM to add their names to this petition as a matter of urgency.

Through its Government Liaison Working Group which it chairs and convenes, SIM has for many years advised and urged HMG to maintain and properly fund the NMS, the National Measurement System (at one time it was under threat). This facility not only gives British industry vital access to accurate standards of measurement, but constantly researches and develops methods for making such standards more accurate and accessible.