Images Dated 17th January 2005

Anglo-Saxon 10th century world map

Anglo-Saxon world map, dating from the 10th century. East is top. This map of the known world was probably produced by an Irish monk. Considering the state of European learning at the time, it is an impressive geographical achievement. However, in terms of accuracy it is outclassed by maps dating from the Classical era. Important landmarks, such as Jerusalem and Rome, are marked. The original is part of the Cotton Library, held in the British Library. Taken from A Book of Discovery (1912) by M.B. Synge

© SHEILA TERRY/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

Zenobe Gramme

Zenobe Gramme (1826-1901), Belgian electrical engineer in his workshop. Gramme was interested in improving the efficiency of electrical devices. In 1710 he demonstrated the Gramme machine, a continuous-current generator that produced large currents in relation to its size. At an exhibition in Vienna, Austria, a technician wired a series of such machines together incorrectly, so that the wires from one which was running were joined to one which was not. To the amazement of the onlookers, the second machine began to turn: the Gramme machine could act as both a generator and a motor. This allowed the possibility for work to be transferred large distances via electricity. Taken from Physique Populaire, 1891

© SHEILA TERRY/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

Africa, from Fra Mauros world map, 1457

Africa, from Fra Mauro's Great Map of the World, 1457. Fra Mauro was a 15th century Italian monk and cartographer. In producing this map, which has been inverted from the original to put north at top, Mauro was forced to alter the land masses to fit his Christian doctrine. According to the Apocrypha, the Earth is six-sevenths land. Mauro drew oceans and continents to fit this belief. The original is held in the Bibliotecha Marciana in Venice, Italy. Taken from A Book of Discovery (1912) by M.B. Synge

© SHEILA TERRY/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY