Gears from the Greeks: The Antikythera Mechanism -- A Calendar Computer from ca. 80 B.C., Transactions, American Philosophical Society (vol. 64, part ... of the American Philosophical Society, 815)

Amazingly detailed history from discovery to contemplation and impact of the device. Great technical articles and easy to understand information about the ratio's of the gears as well as the theories that lead to all the information being ironed out.

This is science at it's best. Unbiased. This is hard to do if any type of agenda is involved. De Solla-Price being from Yale is top notch. Its amazing what he ferreted out using only basic x-rays (no CT or PTM). A "must read" for those into this subject. Well presented.

This is scientific writing at its best: methodical, readable, captivating. Price worked for more than 10 years on untangling the remarkable mystery of the Antikythera mechanism. Through painstaking research and clever interpretation of the findings he was the first to create a plausible model for the device's operation. Modern research (see the Nature 2006 and 2008 articles by members of the Antikythera Research Project) has revised many of his findings. In particular, the differential gear arrangement that Price proposed has been changed into a setup that models the Lunar orbit according to Hipparchos. Nevertheless, this booklet should be the starting point for anyone interested in the truly amazing Antikythera mechanism.

Just what I wanted .

Amazing account of an amazing instrument, thanks

received thank you

If you want to study the Antikythera Mechanism, this is where to start. It is helpful if you have a background in mechanics and in astronomy. The work is 70 pages, and should be read methodically. There are a few irregularities here and there, but they do not detract from the total work. You will then appreciate this exceptional and perceptive work. To get you started: General background: pgs. 51-62 (esp. 56-60); Description of the device: pg. 13, col II; Photos: mostly pgs. 23-26; Drawing of case: pg. 17; Gearing diagrams: flat: pgs. 37-40; side: pg. 43. This side drawing by Beverly Pope is the "holy grail," normally seen in descriptions. To further you on your quest, join the gears with the question marks beside them...

Well worth tracking down a copy. A lively read, contains many diagrams and much data.

- very interesting - gears from the greeks an astronomical calender easy to understand- would buy it again- prompt delivery

Although not a recent publication, it was written by one of the first scholars to make a true in-depth study of the amazing ancient Greek mechanism. His study has been the basis of most subsequent studies by others, so for that reason alone it is a true 'must-have-read' for anyone trying to get a grasp of the importance of this find.

This book was bought to go with the book Decoding the Heavens for my husband. Somewhat more technical and takes longer to read but he admits it is very interesting

Poor quality print

My husband loved this as a birthday present. It was a little more academic than he was expecting, but he has really enjoyed reading it.