In the 16th century, alchemy became a victim of its own success. The more it achieved, the more its reputation suffered. For more information on the transition from alchemy to chemistry, and the interesting characters we encountered in the episode, check out Bruce T. Moran’s Distilling Knowledge.

In the 16th century, great advances were made in anatomy. Amazingly, this didn’t lead to a single improvement in surgery, which remained crude, cruel, and lethal. Be sure to check out the beautiful pictures in Vesalius’ De Humani Corporis Fabrica, including the original skeleton that serves as mascot of this show. For more information on … Continue reading "Episode 4: Between Skin and Bones"

Computing began long before the twentieth century. Mechanical calculators ran on cogs, wheels, and steam engines. You can view a model of how the Pascaline worked here. A demonstration of the Difference Engine, along with a detailed explanation of how it works, is shown here. Sydney Padua’s great drawing of the Analytical Engine can be … Continue reading "Episode 3: Enchanting Numbers"

Columbus discovers America. But more importantly, he discovers discovery itself. The worldviews discussed in this episode can be a little difficult to visualize. These pictures should clarify them somewhat. An example of ‘epicycles’, that were used in the Ptolemaic System to explain the planets’ differences in movement and distance as seen from the earth. A representation … Continue reading "Episode 2: Beyond the Edge of the World"

Daring 17th century doctors try their hand at blood transfusion. With fatal consequences. Enjoyed this episode? Read more about early blood transfusion in Holly Tucker’s Blood Work: A Tale of Medicine and Murder in the Scientific Revolution.