Available:*
Library | Material Type | Shelf Number | Child Count | Shelf Location | Status | Item Holds |
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Searching... Science | Videorecording | 510.92 IN4I 2003 | 1 | Audio-visual Collection | Searching... Unknown | Searching... Unavailable |
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Summary
Summary
At Christie's in 1988, an extraordinary item was put up for sale. To the untrained eye, it was nothing more than a small and unassuming Byzantine prayer book, yet it sold for over $2 million. Its real value lay not in the prayers but in a much earlier, spidery script that lay hidden almost invisibly beneath them. This turned out to be the oldest and most authentic copy of a compendium of works by the ancient Greek scholar Archimedes. Lost for over a thousand years, scientists are now using cutting-edge imaging techniques to unlock the secrets to this time capsule, and gain unique insight into one of the greatest minds the world has ever known. AV market only.
Reviews (2)
School Library Journal Review
Gr 7 Up-The genius of mathematician Archimedes is discussed and explored through this magnificent, thought-provoking presentation. The historical significance and mystery involving his long-lost writings is explained through expert commentary, reenactments, and the observations of scientists and scholars. The palimpsest (manuscript) was lost for nearly 1000 years. It surfaced briefly in 1914, once again in 1971 and finally, in 1991, it surfaced permanently in Paris. Archimedes' observations of volume and infinity represent just a few of his theories which were centuries ahead of their time. His discovery of the volume of a sphere was included in his writings, and he also spoke of the concept of calculus 1800 years before its invention. The content of this video is presented and discussed in a very easy to follow manner. Speculation is offered that civilization might be hundreds of years ahead had these magnificent discoveries not been lost. Additional information can be found at http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/ archimedes. Students will be fascinated and intrigued by Archimedes and his incredible gift for mathematics.-Barbara L. McMullin, Casita Center for Math, Science, and Technology, Vista, CA (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Library Journal Review
Archimedes's name is familiar to those who have studied any area of mathematics, yet the story of how his theories have come to be passed down from 300 B.C.E. is virtually unknown. Important primarily for his work with the definition of pi and other fields of mathematics that led to calculus, the field of application, and movement, his writings were significant because they detailed the methods he used in his theories. The producers capture their audience through a mix of dramatic re-creations and archival footage of more recent events as they describe the challenges involved in the study of documents more than 2000 years old. Archimedes's final treatise, The Palimpsest, has proven to be the most exciting and challenging. Modern technology, some based on theories first advanced by Archimedes himself, are called upon in the investigation of these fascinating documents. This wonderfully engaging presentation poses the question of how our history might have been altered if all of Archimedes's works had been available to the scholars and scientists of the Renaissance and beyond. Recommended for every school library media center and public library. Dwain Thomas, William Rainey Harper Coll., Palatine, IL (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.