The sundial as a mathematical model
An ancient mathematical tool to measure the daily and annual cycles of the earth around the sun.
Reading the sky with the astrolabe
How the Greeks invented a two dimensional astrolabe as a conceptual model of the cosmos, and how it was used.
Recording sales in clay tablets
Clay tokens, an ancient system used to record goods changing hands.
Wooden tallies for buying beer
How wholesale beer sales were recorded using notches on wooden tallies.
John Napier's mathematical creations
John Napier's method of multiplication and logarithms, and how Charles Babbage corrected his calculations.
Babbage's engine of precision
Charles Babbage's ingenious mechanical device to compute mathematical equations.