Decoding the Heavens
Encyclopedia
Decoding the Heavens: A 2,000-Year-old Computer and the Century Long Search to Discover Its Secrets by Jo Marchant
is an exploration of the history and significance of the Antikythera Mechanism
, , an ancient mechanical calculator
(also described as the first known mechanical computer
) designed to calculate astronomical
positions. Technological artifacts of similar complexity did not reappear until a thousand years later.
Marchant approaches the mystery of the mechanism in a narrative that begins with the discovery of the Antikythera wreck
in 1901 and includes a primer on the development of scuba gear in the 19th century. Throughout the book, Marchant weaves ancient history with the lives and travails of the handful of contemporary scientists who bucked conventional wisdom with their belief that the mechanism embodied technological and mathematical expertise thought to be impossible for its time. It is believed to have been built about 150–100 BC and yet the delicate bronze clockwork it embodies would not be known to Europe until the Middle Ages.
The author acknowledges (p. 302) that none of the principal researchers from the Antikythera Mechanism Research Project were involved "in any way" with the writing of the book. The project has published a commentary that sets out problems with the book's account of their work.
The book's account of the collaboration between Mr Michael Wright and Dr Allan Bromley is disputed.
Originally published November 2008 by William Heinemann Ltd., ISBN 043401835X. Republished 2009 by Da Capo Press, ISBN 9780306817427.
Jo Marchant
Jo Marchant is a freelance journalist specializing in science and history. After gaining a BSc in genetics and a PhD in microbiology she became a science writer, and is the author of Decoding the Heavens, an exploration of the history and significance of the Antikythera mechanism...
is an exploration of the history and significance of the Antikythera Mechanism
Antikythera mechanism
The Antikythera mechanism is an ancient mechanical computer designed to calculate astronomical positions. It was recovered in 1900–1901 from the Antikythera wreck. Its significance and complexity were not understood until decades later. Its time of construction is now estimated between 150 and 100...
, , an ancient mechanical calculator
Calculator
An electronic calculator is a small, portable, usually inexpensive electronic device used to perform the basic operations of arithmetic. Modern calculators are more portable than most computers, though most PDAs are comparable in size to handheld calculators.The first solid-state electronic...
(also described as the first known mechanical computer
Analog computer
An analog computer is a form of computer that uses the continuously-changeable aspects of physical phenomena such as electrical, mechanical, or hydraulic quantities to model the problem being solved...
) designed to calculate astronomical
Astronomy
Astronomy is a natural science that deals with the study of celestial objects and phenomena that originate outside the atmosphere of Earth...
positions. Technological artifacts of similar complexity did not reappear until a thousand years later.
Marchant approaches the mystery of the mechanism in a narrative that begins with the discovery of the Antikythera wreck
Antikythera wreck
The Antikythera wreck is a shipwreck from the 1st or 2nd century BC. It was discovered by sponge divers off Point Glyphadia on the Greek island Antikythera in the early 1900s...
in 1901 and includes a primer on the development of scuba gear in the 19th century. Throughout the book, Marchant weaves ancient history with the lives and travails of the handful of contemporary scientists who bucked conventional wisdom with their belief that the mechanism embodied technological and mathematical expertise thought to be impossible for its time. It is believed to have been built about 150–100 BC and yet the delicate bronze clockwork it embodies would not be known to Europe until the Middle Ages.
The author acknowledges (p. 302) that none of the principal researchers from the Antikythera Mechanism Research Project were involved "in any way" with the writing of the book. The project has published a commentary that sets out problems with the book's account of their work.
The book's account of the collaboration between Mr Michael Wright and Dr Allan Bromley is disputed.
Originally published November 2008 by William Heinemann Ltd., ISBN 043401835X. Republished 2009 by Da Capo Press, ISBN 9780306817427.
Reviews
- Anonymous. (January 26, 2009). "Decoding the Heavens: A 2,000-Year-old Computer and the Century Long Search to Discover Its Secrets" Publisher's Weekly, Starred Review (accessed 31 May 2009)
- Collins, P. (February 25, 2009). "Review: Decoding the Heavens by Jo Marchant" New Scientist (accessed 31 May 2009)
- Lake, E. (January 8, 2009). "Decoding the Heavens: Solving the Mystery of the World’s First Computer by Jo Marchant" The Telegraph (accessed 31 May 2009)
- Sims, M. (March 8, 2009). "'Decoding the Heavens' by Jo Marchant", Los Angeles Times (accessed 30 May 2009)
- Turney, J. (November 21, 2008). "Clockwork marvel before its time" The Independent (accessed 31 May 2009)