Month: January 2014
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How old is nanotechnology?
By Koen Beumer Nanotechnology is new. And yet discussions about nanotechnology feature numerous references to artifacts from ancient times. Nanotechnology is said to be present in anything from stained glass in Medieval European churches to blades of eighteenth century Indian warriors. How can we make sense of these historical references?
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Wie heeft de grootste?
Door David Baneke De geschiedenis van de moderne sterrenkunde wordt vaak beschreven aan de hand van een opeenvolging van steeds grotere telescopen. Niet zelden lijkt het zelfs op een wedstrijd: wie heeft de grootste? Ook astronomen zelf spreken vaak in die termen – kijk maar eens op de website van enkele grote astronomische organisaties (ESO,…
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‘Knife-less’ Dissection: Functions of fold-outs in 19th century anatomical culture
By Simone Schleper Around 1900, an unprecedented panoply of anatomical fold-outs emerged and sold across Europe and North America. Examples ranged from life-size models to supplementary inserts in thick health manuals and booklet-thin charts. As illustrative devises, fold-outs responded to a growing demand for anatomical models and illustrations by a broad authorship and audience. Yet,…
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Demarcation problems in history of science: a dialogue
By Jeroen Bouterse A physicist [P], a sociologist [S] and a historian [H] on demarcation in history of science. H: “So, I understand you hadn’t heard of Shells&Pebbles yet?” S: “I’m afraid not; what is it?” H: “It’s a blog about the history of science.” P: “Oh, then I have seen it! But there was…